The Rushing Family:

Golden Girl

2011-09-01T22:07:00.003-04:00

Lyla Marie turned 1 on September 1,2011. Celebrating her "Golden Birthday"! It was a fast year and I can't believe that my sweet baby is one. She brings so much joy to our family. I love watching her giggle as Ty plays with her. I love seeing her big sister carrying her on her hip. I love the way Andrew plays "boo" with her. They love making her laugh and love laughing at her. Just so much joy to be had with Lyla around.

It was just a low key celebration. Lyla of course was treated to her very own cake. Everyone was excited to see what she would do with the cake. Smash it to smithereens like Andrew. Nibble it and scream with unhappiness like Alli. Barely make a dent like Ty. And wouldn't you know...She didn't really even know what to do with it. She smashed her fingers in it and it took some coaxing for her to realize she was suppose to eat it! She nibbled a little bit. It was a homemade cake with buttercream frosting that was sort of melting because of the hot day, so it pretty much turned into an oooey gooey mess. So much to the other 3's delight there would be cake to share! They really wanted to try Lyla's cake!

She really seemed to enjoy her birthday song. I think it was fun to see her realize that we are all singing to her! I think she felt special. It was a great celebrating full of smiling faces, cake, pictures, outfit changes, presents & of course a bath!

Happy Birthday Lyla

1st Birthday

21 lbs 2 oz (50th%)

29 inches (45th%)

She loves watermelon
She is crawling and will stand on her own unassisted.
She likes to flip thru books
Her first words: eow (hello) & uh oh
She loves phones (hence the 1st word...still trying to coax mama & dada out of her!)
She empties boxes, drawers, shelves, toy bins faster than you can clean!
When I put her down for bed I sing her "Little Ol' Lady", rock her with her blanky, lie her down and give her not one but two binkies.
She wakes up just babbling and crawling around her crib. She likes to take those precious binkies and tosses them out of her crib! It is her little game of hide and seek. She hides them and I have to find them!
She has 11 teeth!!!! And she didn't get cranky when those big nasty molars came it!
She drinks whole milk and has easily transitioned to a cup. Only one bottle in the morning!
She crawls to the top of the stairs all by herself! Hasn't quite figured out the going down part. However she loves to sit at the top of the stairs and yell down for her brothers and sister!
Takes 2 naps a day and goes to bed around 7-7:30ish.
She claps when you say "yea", waves bye bye, puts her hand to her ear and says "eoww".
She is loved where ever we go. She melts the hearts of strangers and I am constantly told what a cute baby, sweet baby, beautiful baby, sooo cute she is! And I couldn't agree more! She is a very sweet baby...or 1 year old!

Summer at the Pool

2011-08-31T11:11:00.001-04:00

We have had a blast this summer! Or should I say we have had a "splash" this summer! We decided that the only way to beat the heat and humidity of Virginia was to join a neighborhood pool and go EV-ER-Y DAY!! So that is what we did! We would go after Lyla's morning nap and swim for a few hours then head home so Lyla could get a little nap in the late afternoon. Of course our Saturdays were pool days too. Just so much fun to be had at the pool!

Alli and Andrew celebrated their birthday at the pool with their Feldman cousins. We spent most of the day splashing and diving! And perfect timing, we enjoyed some pizza while we waited out a classic "10 minute summer downpour".

Ty got really good at swimming. He hasn't officially had swim lessons but he has managed to learn by watching others. And an occasional swim lesson from Dad or Mom! By the end of the season he was swimming the width of the pool unassisted! He even tried his skills at freestyle. I noticed him swimming the freestyle one day and asked him who taught him. He said "no one, I just did it!" So there you have it...the third child can teach themselves lots of things! Including freestyle! His cousin Alyssa would be so proud!

Kids loved the ice cream truck that rolled in every day around 2pm. Ice cream trucks always provide great childhood memories! It also emptied the pool! As soon as the music was heard the kids would run and get in line for ice cream.

We knew lots of people at the pool from church or school. It was fun to swim with our acquaintances from VA!

The pool had a diving board and the kids had so much fun testing different dives!

Lyla even loved the pool. Lyla and I would mostly work on our tans, but we did venture out into the cool waters when it just was too hot to sit on the sidelines! I covered her in sunblock but she managed to get herself quite the little tan. She has little tan piggies! So cute!

Lyla would people watch drinking her juice and was very content!

At the end of the summer we asked the kids what they enjoyed about summer. It was unanimous! They loved the pool this summer! It was well worth it. Happy kids all around!

Bring on the "nines"

2011-08-07T00:24:00.001-04:00

Today my babies are 9! It seems like forever ago they were just tiny little wads of blanketed bundles riding home in the back of our Integra. Shane and I thinking...whoa, what next? Well, I tell you it has been an amazing "9" years that those two have been blessing our lives. I don't know what I would do without them!

*Alli has such a sweet spirit and loves to help with her baby sister. She loves to practice her mommy skills and slings Lyla on her hip like she is a seasoned pro. She loves to teach her brother Ty math & fractions! (She sets the bar high for him.) She excels in school and loves every moment of it...well, except math homework with mom! She is loving jewelry, hair accessories, & LOVES her earrings! She likes swimming in the pool, loves fruit (any), loves basketball and recently received "the Coaches Award" trophy at her basketball camp, enjoys playing the Wii & enjoys reading. She is a terrific 9 year old! Happy Birthday Alli!!

*Andrew is an amazing kid! He just loves playing tricks on his family and has recently become fond of scaring his mother! (had to put a stop to that one!) He giggles and laughs at all of Lyla's funny faces. He is very creative and is always drawing something or another. He likes to play with his creations. He loves to read and is currently reading Harry Potter #5 & a "Heck" book! He excels at school. He has found a new love for baseball and was even privileged to attend a Nationals game & a Yankees game! He loves swimming at the pool, playing Pokemon with Ty, playing Wii, setting up animal families, collecting ev-er-y thing & swinging on the rope swing outside. He is a terrific 9 year old as well! Happy Birthday Andrew!!

4th of July in DC

2011-07-04T11:10:00.001-04:00

Wow!! What an amazing experience to celebrate the birth of our nation! We were so excited to join the many others at the National Mall downtown. We went there with some of Shane's co-workers. We found a spot right in between the Washington Monument and the WWII Memorial. I think we were a bit more excited about being there than most around us. Shane and I just couldn't stop smiling because it was just so cool!

Contrary to what you may think it wasn't that big of a deal getting there. Shane dropped us off and then parked the car not too far away. We got there about 3 hours before the fireworks and the kids had fun playing games.

We were close to a stage where the US Air Force Band was playing and also were treated to a performance by Jo Dee Messina!

Just hanging out listening to the music and enjoying the scenery.

Lyla's First 4th of July! Wasn't she cute! She did great and fell asleep right before the fireworks started. She woke up during the grand finale but didn't make a sound just sat back and enjoyed the view!

Then when the sun went down we got to see some amazing fireworks. We were so close! It was a good show! (the only thing to compare with would be the Kettley's 4th of July firework extravaganza!!!)

We had such a fun time. It was amazing to see fireworks with the Lincoln Memorial in the background! One of the fun perks to living here!

Update...

2011-06-25T21:38:00.000-04:00

Just a few additions to Lyla's 9th month...

She is 19 lbs. 12 oz. and has jumped into the 75th percentile.

She is 28 inches long which is again the 75th percentile.

Another big move...

SHE IS CRAWLING!!!!

Everyone here is SO excited...well everyone but me! She doesn't move fast but she finally figured out the crawling thing! She started crawling on June 23rd. Soon I will have to post a video. She IS too cute! We all love her so.

So here is to closed doors and gates at the stairs as we look ahead to Month 10!!

End of 3rd Grade

2011-06-21T10:31:00.000-04:00

It was a great year at George Mason Elementary. Alli and Andrew both did an amazing job and sported quite a lot of A's and B's on their final report cards. We are so proud of their accomplishments this year. We knew that moving to across the country and starting in a new school wouldn't be easy but they did great!
At the end of the year for Social Studies each 3rd grader had to do a project on an ancient civilization they had studied through out the year. Alli and Andrew both picked Ancient Greece.

Alli chose to make a 3D map of Ancient Athens for her project. We made it our of salt dough and she painted it with watercolors. She did a great job!

Andrew made a game called "Zeus' Challenge". This year he has been facinated with Greek Mythology. So for his project he created a game that he could show off his knowledge of Ancient Greek and his drawing of Greek characters. He did a great job and we can't wait to try out his game!!

The 3rd Grade picnic got rained out so we had lunch with Alli and Andrew in the classroom. All of their classmates loved Lyla! We set out a blanket on the floor and had a great picnic together!

With the end of the year comes Field Day!! They were grateful to have a hot and sunny day. They got to play lots of fun games and they even got wet!! As an extra bonus their cousin Cassidy came all the way from WA to celebrate Field Day with them.

Alli, Cassidy & Iris (Alli's friend)

Andrew with Lyla his friend from 3rd Grade.

Finally, the last day of school.

Alli and Andrew both had great teachers that helped them all through the year to be the best 3rd Grader they could be.

Andrew with his teacher Mr. Novelli.

Alli with her teacher Ms. Arthur.

And on our way home from the last day of school we had to get a picture with Wanda. She is the crossing guard and helped my babies walk safely home from school every day!

What a great year! Now we can't wait for 4th grade & Kindergarten!!! Ty can't wait!

Lyla is 9 months

2011-06-01T12:54:00.000-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oO70FcqnmKA

Lyla is 9 months old today. We have hit the good times! After she overcame several ear infections she has returned to her happy cheerful self. And once again sleeps through the night! Here are some things about Lyla and above is a video of her "talking":

* She has 2 bottom teeth. Her top 2 teeth have broken through but aren't quite visible.

* She is eats solid food. She really loves to chow on the fruity rice puffs!

* She has 2-3 naps each day and goes to bed around 8pm. She sleeps until 7 or 7:30am.

* She can sit unassisted.

* She rolls over both ways now and is showing signs of crawling but not yet. Hallelujah!

* Her height and weight will have to wait until her doctor appointment later in the month.
* She has had 2 ear infections and the Dr. thought her left eardrum ruptured. She was very unhappy for a few days. Or weeks...or months...I think the ear stuff started around 6 months old.

* She is a very happy baby and as you can see she loves to talk!

* She is a lot of fun these days and does really well being hauled to different sporting events and activities that her older siblings are participating in.

Williamsburg with the Thornocks

2011-05-31T10:25:00.000-04:00

Since our move to the DC area we have had the pleasure of hosting many guests. This time we had the pleasure of welcoming Shane's sister and her family "The Thornock's" to DC!! They came for a 2 week tour of the east coast sights!

For Memorial Day weekend we decided to head down to Williamsburg with the Thornocks for some good ol' colonial fun! We visited Jamestown, Yorktown, & Williamsburg in 3 days. We had a great time. It was very hot but the kids did good trailing from site to site. It was fun for Alli and Andrew because this year in school they learned a lot about the early settlers of Virginia. We started off the 3 day tour at Jamestown Settlement.

We saw a Powhatan Indian village.

We also saw the early colonist's fort. We found some of the early settlers sporting some pretty heavy armor!

Next stop Colonial Williamsburg. This was quite the place. We stepped back in time when we entered. There was lots to do. We toured the Governor's Mansion. (Not sure if the picture below is the the mansion. I just thought it was a great picture!)

We were able to see a mock trial.

Then out in the public square we found this!

Don't worry it is all pretend. Ty isn't crying, just has a case of sun in the eyes!

These kids however deserved to have one foot locked up!!!

Too much walking.

We found some colonial divas!

We got to see the colonist put on a "play" I guess, about their lives leading up to the beginning of the Revolutionary War.

On to Historic Jamestown. This was probably one of our most favorite spots. We had a very dynamic tour guide who made the stories and info of the early settlers come alive!!

Captain John Smith the most famous but was not the Captain of the ship when coming to Jamestown. Christopher Newport was the Captain but doesn't get the same notoriety as Smith. Christopher Newport was one of the people Alli and Andrew studied at school.

The kids loved the Jr. Ranger books!

Pocahontas statue. Contrary to Disney she didn't marry John Smith. She married John Rolfe and move to England.

And for those who were wondering if Lyla was having fun...She was! She did really great getting hauled around from place to place in the heat!

Next, Yorktown...

We found some cannons as we took a driving tour around the battlefield at Yorktown.

We found some soldiers from the Revolutionary War. The kids even got to try out their shooting skills.

We got to see a replica of a war camp. This was really neat. It was also really hot on this day. Those tents were steamy!!

We were able to hear about what it was like to be a physician during the war. Here are the kids checking out the doctor's tools.

At the end of our tour we found some facinating folks. The kids had fun wearing colonial cloths.

Kenzie actually found a crazy colonist!!

As you can see above...We had a great time with the Thornock's!!

Cherry Blossoms

2011-05-18T20:37:00.000-04:00

One evening the kids and I decided to go check out the cherry blossom trees downtown. Well, it took some convincing the kids but eventually we made it out the door.

After finding parking we walked...and walked...and walked along the river.

It was really pretty and the kids enjoyed running thru the weeping willows.

Andrew fell thru one of the gigantic holes in the sidewalk. Ty found a stick to swing around. Alli was bouncing from one tree to another. Lyla was fast asleep in her pack. Me...I was counting kids making sure no one took an unexpected swim in the Potomac!

After our walk we caught a bus (a short bus ride) that took us to the Jefferson Memorial.

I found 3 blind mice hiding on the steps of the monument!

The view from the Jefferson Memorial.

It was beautiful. The kids had fun running around and I had fun sitting on the steps soaking up the evening sunshine. We even managed to catch a bus ride all the way back to our car!! I think everyone was glad we made it to see the beautiful cherry blossoms!

See! Don't they look happy!

Ty is Five!

2011-04-20T20:36:00.000-04:00

Ty is now FIVE years old! He just couldn't wait until his birthday. (mostly couldn't wait for all his presents!) Everytime we would go to Target he would hit me up for a pack of Pokemon cards. I would tell him he would have to wait until his birthday. He didn't like that answer.

Much to Ty's delight we were going to be in Washington for his birthday. He wanted to have a birthday party at "Big Owl's" (Big Al's). He didn't care for bowling he just wanted to hit the arcade area! Oh, and he wanted all his cousins to be there too! Especially "Wheel" aka Will! He got to ride the motorcycle ride with Dad! He also won lots of tickets to get candy!

He was joined by lots of siblings & cousins.

After Big Al's he wanted his special birthday lunch at McDonald's but a certain one. He wanted to go to the "Playland" McDonald's!

And the activities just kept going! He had a birthday bash at Aunt Kiki's house! Ty is just facinated with sharks. Loves everything about them. He loves animals in general but sharks are by far his favorite thing right now. We were lucky to be in Vancouver where a fabulous cake decorator lives. It just happens to be his cousin Karsyn! She made an amazing "Shark" cake for Ty and he LOVED it!

Ty was excited to have his family to share his birthday with. He also got to share his birthday with our old neighbor friend Sennika and his favorite baby sitter Taylor and her family! He was just loving all the attention he got.

Then FINALLY it was present time. Ty was asking every 5 minutes if it was time to open presents! He was so excited to get Pokemon cards, Gomu erasers, Pokemon and Sharktale movies, MORE animals, a Shark book & a Bat Mobile!! He was pretty happy with his haul! But I think what made it the best 5 year old birthday party EVER, was that he was able to share it with his family and friends who we miss so much!

And now my baby boy is 5! Can't believe that. The next milestone is starting Kindergarten this fall! Then I will have 3 kids in school!

Five COOL things about TY!

1- He loves everything about animals, sharks, snakes, bugs, crocodiles & alligators. He loves to watch National Geographic movies about animals. He pretty much loves to watch any movie!

2- He loves to talk! If you have ever had the pleasure of being near him you would know this! He just talks and talks and talks and talks.....but he says some pretty funny things!

3- He started playing T-ball this year and loves it! He loves sports. He thinks he is the best at everything! It is fun to see him play ball!

4- He loves chocolate milk!! He has a glass every morning and "snuggles" with me in bed! We like to read stories and have some snuggle time before the day starts. I will miss that when he goes to school. He is my little "snugglebun"!

5- He is the life of the party! There is never a dull moment when he is around!

Happy Birthday Ty!

We love you and can't wait to see what this year brings!

Special visitor

2011-04-05T12:15:00.000-04:00

We had the great opportunity to have Auntie Dee Dee come visit us a few weeks ago. She was in town lobbying at the Capital. The kids were just beyond excited that she came. She was able to stay with us one night and the next day she hung out with Lyla, Ty and me. Ty was so excited to have someone else to chat with!! It was a short visit but it was so much fun to have her come. We look forward to seeing her next year!

Give One Million Video

2011-03-14T12:30:00.000-04:00

For the last year my little brother has been trying to raise One Million Dollars for St. Jude's Childrens Research Hospital. His year mark is almost here (March 25th) but he is still going strong. He has raised over $20,000 so far! Check out his latest video here: (And I would just like to point out that he gets his great dance moves from his big sister...me! I just had to clarify for those who were thinking it was Christy!)

Check it out...

5 Months

2011-02-02T14:32:00.001-05:00

Lyla Marie is 5 months old! She is growing so fast. I try really hard to get her to smile for the camera, videos, etc but she seems to be more fascinated with the objects I am holding so it is rare to capture a smile. She is such a delight and really is a great baby! Here are some tidbits about Lyla:

She loves to laugh, smile, and observe her older brothers and sister. Who needs baby toys when you have Ty right in your face?

She is 13 lbs. 11 oz.

She sleeps through the night!!

She doesn't take a binky and prefers her hand, fingers, thumbs.

In the morning you can find her in her crib sucking those fingers and cooing. Just chillin' until Mom or Dad come get her.

She doesn't sit without assistance.

She gets passed around from kid to kid wanting to "hold Lyla". No one ever tires of carrying her around...well sometimes I do. My muscles give out after awhile, not my love for her!

She does not have any teeth yet drools like some are coming.

She has a bottle put into her routine not because she needs more food but because Mommy needs her to take a bottle sometimes. (I learned my lesson with the binky!)

When you play with her and make faces she will either laugh or stare at you like "that ain't funny!" Her stares make us laugh!

We love her so much and are happy to have her join (or rule) our family!!!

Lost in Translation

2010-11-11T09:31:00.000-05:00

Have you ever played the "Telephone" game? You know the one where you pass down a phrase and by the time it gets to the last person it is a totally different phrase. Funny right?! Well I have discovered that it doesn't take a lot of ears in the middle to get lost in translation. My kids some how hear something totally different than what comes out of my mouth! Not sure how but well, here are some examples...

Statement: "I am going to take a shower."

Translation: "Please come and bother me 10 times each and ruin any peace I find in a few minutes to myself!"

Statement: "Let's go get you dressed."

Translation: "Run and hide it is 3 o'clock and time to get dressed!"

Statement: "Will you clean up all the toys on the floor?"

Translation: "Will you put everything that's on the floor on the shelf so that I can clean and arrange the shelf later?"

Statement: "Lyla is asleep don't play with her."

Translation: "Lyla is asleep and probably wont know if you pick her up, kiss her head and play peek-a-boo with her."

Statement: "We need to have breakfast."

Translation: "Go get candy out of the Halloween bowl and stuff yourself with sugar for breakfast!"

Statement: "Good night I will see you in the morning."

Translation: "Now is the time to do everything you were suppose to do before you get in bed!"

You get the picture right? I guess I can add "multi-lingual" (one language per kid) to my MOM resume! With that on my resume I am definitely a contender for "Mom of the Year 2011"! You know the kind of award that is passed out for all the wrong things you do as a mom! I have already reached my quota for 2010! (well maybe I can find room on the shelf for one more award this year!)

One thing I hope doesn't get lost in translation...

Happy Birthday Shane!

We love you!

Life...

2010-10-31T14:50:00.000-04:00

Things have changed quite a bit in these last few months. I believe we have hit several of the "stressful changes in life" factors. Just a few for your enjoyment...well the ones I have pictures for at least!

1. Selling our house in Vancouver, Washington and moving across the country to Alexandria, Virginia. Stressful part being that we left our house in WA on May 25th and moved into our house in VA on August 9th. What were we doing in those months...staying with any family we could find across the USA! It really was a great time! We had lots of fun visiting lots of family, friends, and exciting places along the way.

And just in case you were wondering...YES we did drive the whole way!

2. Alli and Andrew celebrated their 8th Birthday in Washington, D.C.!

They received scriptures and were so excited to finally have scriptures of their own! Also along with turning 8 they were baptized. They were baptized on September 11, 2010 at the Mt. Vernon building in Virginia by their father. They were baptized just 10 days after the arrival of their baby sister Lyla! It was a special time and we were thrilled that we had family and friends to share it with.

3. We added a new member to our family! Lyla Marie Rushing was born on September 1, 2010. And now she is one day shy of 2 months old. Time goes by fast when you are busy doing everything and anything!

4. New school year and new school for Alli and Andrew. They began 3rd Grade at George Mason Elementary School on September 7, 2010. Alli has Ms. Arthur and Andrew has Mr. Novelli. Andrew was just elected to be on Student Council for is class by his classmates! Another big change...they start school at 8AM! Good news - Shane can take them to school in the morning when he goes to work! They are excited to be George Mason Dragons! Roar!

5. Well I don't really have a fifth yet...

We are excited about the changes in our lives. Although it is hard to say goodbye to our family and friends in WA, we are excited about the new things we experience every day here in VA! Just yesterday Alli and Andrew ran a mile at the Pentagon! Then we all walked a mile around the Pentagon...don't ask! So, now you see what we have been up to! Maybe this post will keep everyone happy until I get my computer problem fixed!

Lyla's Story

2010-09-24T16:36:00.001-04:00

Lyla Marie Rushing

September 1, 2010

6 lbs. 6 oz. & 19 1/2 inches

I made a comment to the nurse while I was waiting for Lyla to come that each of my children's births have had something that makes their birth story unique. I was a little bit nervous when we went to the hospital because I just wasn't sure what kind of a birth story our little girl was going to have. It wasn't long before I knew!

Shane and I arrived at the hospital on September 1st bright and early at 8:30am! We were a little bit late because I wanted my hair to be just right! It looked great according to Shane...it always looks great to him! (sorry just a bit of an inside joke!) I met my Dr. out in the hall way and she assured me that I was going to have a baby TODAY!!! I was excited but nervous for obvious reasons!

Here we are before the action begins...I don't know who looks more ready to have a baby!

With those fabulous poses out of the way the waiting game was on! It took awhile for me to get the drugs to start labor and I think things got underway around 10am. I should say that I was being induced one week early and I am not sure that my body was ready to give up this baby! I was afraid that it was going to be a long day!

However...that wasn't going to be the case. My Dr. was scheduled to do a surgery around 1pm and was confident that I would not deliver the baby that soon but she assured me that if I did she would leave her surgery (don't worry...another Dr. was doing the surgery with her) to come deliver my baby. Well just about 1pm my wonderful nurse was getting uneasy with Lyla's heart rate. I was having regular contractions and every time Lyla's heart rate would dip really low. She stepped out to call the Dr. and about 20 mins later my Dr. was there informing Shane and I that it looked like the baby was in some distress and she felt I was going to need a Cesarean. It was a bit overwhelming for me and I started to cry (hormones and motherly love at work). We decided that we would not wait and go ahead with the Cesarean and my Dr. stepped out to notify the other Dr. that she would not be joining him. She returned in 5 mins and the level of concern about Lyla's safety had escalated quite dramatically and I was given a shot to stop contractions and wheeled into the operating room. Shane was left in the hallway with a bunch of gear to put on and told that they would return for him. As I was being wheeled to the operating room I felt like I was watching "A Baby Story" except that this story was about me. I was a horrible wreck and I will love my Dr. forever because she let me squeeze her hand and comforted me while I was getting my spinal block. Everything happened so fast. Except if you ask Shane he felt he was out in the hall way for a very long time not knowing anything that was happening behind the closed doors. Not too long after Shane arrived Lyla was born. She was born at 2:22pm. When Dr. Bannon pulled her out she said "Hi baby girl. You have a very tight cord around your neck." She arrived safely and I would do it all over again. I really felt blessed that everything worked out ok and very grateful for a Dr. that knew when to kick it into high gear!

I think this is the only time she cried in her first 2 weeks of life!

Here we are after.

Everyone still in shock.

This was a very different experience for me and this is the closest I got to my new baby for the next 3 hours. I was feeling all the pain but I didn't see Lyla until I was stitched up, out of recovery, and in my hospital room. Don't worry Shane was with her!

We had lots of visitors!

The other 3 kids were so excited to see their new baby sister.

We even had some far away visitors that came to Washington D.C. just for this occasion!! Okay maybe not but it was great timing! It was great to see the Bradford Bunch!

I wasn't anticipating on being in the hospital for 5 days and 4 nights! But because of a little incident (something involving a going home class & too much medication on an empty stomach!) I stayed for the full allotted time for a Cesarean. So that meant I spent my 33rd Birthday in the hospital! But my Mom and I celebrated in style!

I wouldn't have gotten thru this without my fabulous Mother. She stayed with me at the hospital and kept me company and Shane stayed at home with the kids. It was good that Shane could provide stability to the other three kids and my mom took great care of me. It was a special time for me. I could not have done it without her! She was a super nurse in the hospital and when I came home! I know I sent you home tired and exhausted but I wouldn't have survived without my Mommy! Thanks Mom!

I have to give another shout out to my Mother-in-Law. She came out and stayed with me after my Mom went home. It was really hard on my mentally that I was not able to get around and do the things that I needed to do for my other kids and household. Clara helped ease my concerns and was able to help everything and everyone until I felt better. Thanks for all you did! Now go get your T.V. and enjoy some retirement "Veg" time! After all the time with us, you deserve it!

Finally we were ready to come home. Lyla Marie & company left the hospital on Sunday September 5th! Everyone was glad that the long hospital stay was over!

She was so tiny and cute!

(She still is cute but she is getting big!)

Lyla arrived safely and for that we are truly grateful. So that is Lyla's story. She definitely has a unique birth story! Lyla arrived safely and for that we are truly grateful!

It's Great to be Eight!

2010-08-07T04:30:00.001-04:00

Today my little babies are 8. It seems like just yesterday (but not really) Shane and I were bringing them home from the hospital. ( I know everyone says that but it is soooo true!) It is hard to believe that they have reached this milestone and it is amazing to see who they have become so far.

They are so excited for today!! (couldn't sleep again so I am writing before the B-day festivities) It brings me great joy that even though we are in a different situation i.e. all of our belongings in storage, temporary housing, moving on Monday... just to name a few...that they just know that they are going to have great Birthday Surprises!! I hope they enjoy the day!

I wish I had cute pictures but again still going without these days so pictures will have to wait. But I can still gush about them with words so without further ado...here are Eight things about each:

Andrew

1. He loves playing Mario games! He is very excitied to have the Wii back!

2. He has just started the Cub Scouts program. He is already working on his Bobcat! (just the first step but we just started on Weds!)

3. He has a great imagination. I love to hear him play with his brother & sister.

4. He doesn't want to get taller because it is easier to do the limbo when you are short!

5. He is Ty's pet dog named Chocolate Chip. Chocolate Chip can get Ty to do pretty much everything!

6. He knows all of the States and State Capitals! He put Uncle David to shame this week!

7. He loves school. Especially lunch and recess! Unfortunately for him at their new school they only get one recess a day! That is a big change from the 3 recesses he got at Harmony.

8. He wants to learn to play Tennis. He hopes Dad can teach him!

Andrew is a great kid and we are lucky to have him in our family! He is growing up too fast but I am enjoying every minute of it!

Alli

1. She loves playing and taking care of her little brother Ty. She can't wait for her baby sister to come so she can add her to her list to torture...I mean help!

2. She is very thoughtful and helpful. She loves to sweep!

3. She has started to love clothes more than toys. She says she wants things that are useful.

4. She has a great laugh and it seems she is always laughing or giggling about everything!

5. She comes up with the best words and phrases.

6. She said the other day that she was so excited to grow up because all she wants to do is be a mom and have kids. That is quite different from the "Rock Star" she wanted to be in 1st grade!

7. She loves to play with her brothers! In fact she and Ty throw down WWF style every day! Usually she ends up with Ty sitting on her head!

8. She just can't wait to get her scriptures! She says that is the only thing she wants for her Birthday but I kinda think that she wouldn't be sad if she got a little something else!

Alli is such a joy to have in our family! She is a sweet girl and can hold her own with the boys! She too is growing much to fast and once again I am loving every minute of it!

Eight...what a milestone! I am not sure I will let them turn eight today! Although I don't think I have a choice! I can't wait to see their beaming faces this morning when they wake up! It makes me happy to see them happy!

Happy Birthday

Alli and Andrew!

Isn't it great to be eight!

On the road again...

2010-07-24T09:06:00.001-04:00

Because we didn't drive enough in the last few weeks we decided to hop in the car for one last road trip to NY! The kids and I wanted to go visit my big brother & his family who live just outside of NYC. Visiting them would complete the "cousin" cycle! Plus-we needed a little break from our little apartment in the "no kid" zone of DC. So the plan was hatched and we decided that we would travel on Sunday after church because not many people would be traveling that day!! (Hind sight...traveling on Sunday...not a good thing!)

So after church the kids and I piled into the car loaded up our suitcases again and off we went for our 4.5 hour drive! Everything was going great. We crossed over this amazing bridge called the Delaware Memorial Bridge going from Delaware into New Jersey. We traveled on the New Jersey Turnpike, passed Newark Airport, and finally we arrived at NYC. It was dark by the time we made it and I was surprised to look out into the skyline and see the Empire State Bldg and the Chrysler Bldg! I was also excited to cross the George Washington Bridge until...red brake lights in front of me. I basically drove right into a parking lot. I have never in my life been in such a crazy mass of cars going everywhere and anywhere driven by a bunch of crazies. This is the only time that I have felt like I was from Idaho. This is also the only time that I have been soooo tempted to scream out obscenities at other drivers! (hand gestures were also a temptation!) It was the most stressful, frustrating, spit out my window in disgust two hours of my life! In fact the up coming birth of my 4th baby will be more enjoyable!!

But...we finally made it at 11pm Sunday night! And all the traffic mess was well worth it! We had a great time with the Dan Feldman cousins!

We swam in their neighbors pool for hours!
Aunt Jenn introduced us to Silly Bands!
We went to the beach and found lots of hermit crabs, built a sand castle, and swam in the ocean!
The kids enjoyed sleeping in the attic with all the cousins.
We (the kids) jumped on their trampoline for hours.

We had a blast! It was a great little trip for us! Thanks to Aunt Jenn for housing us, feeding us, and entertaining us for a few days! The "cherry on top" came when I made it home in 5 hours, paid $15 less in tolls, and crossed the Tappan Zee bridge instead of the GWB! My driving experience was a night and day experience! Coming home was a breath of fresh air! My going there was my worst nightmare! In fact I am just going to list a few things that I have learned from my experience!

1. Traveling thru NYC on a Sunday evening is pure insanity. I was told after my journey by a local New Yorker that Sunday is the WORST day to travel on! I will remember that for the future!

2. Now that I have driven in NYC in traffic I can do anything! In fact driving in DC is a piece of cake! I am not sure why I was so worried about it!

3. New Yorkers don't believe in blinkers, waiting in line, or following the basic rules of driving! I attempted to be courteous and was burned when my blinker was ignored by everyone!! And I believe that there were 50 cars that cut in line right in front of me when I was right at the exit. I guess they were too important to wait in line huh???

4. I need an EZ Pass! The cash lanes are horrific! I haven't spent that much cash in years!

5. I loath the GWB!

So I know this is a long post but I hope you have felt my pain and experienced my joys from our little road trip to NY!

Finding familiar in an UN-familiar place

2010-07-13T05:04:00.000-04:00

Well we knew eventually that our road trip would end! And it did on July 7th. We arrived in D.C. and it was good to finally get to our destination. Since May 25th we have been on a dot to dot across the USA. Visiting friends and relatives along the way. We really had a blast and were surprised that it was a really amazing trip. The kids had so much fun visiting with Grandparents and cousins and getting to see where Dad grew up!

Now we are settled in temporary housing until we make our final move into our home for the next 2 years. We currently are residing in downtown D.C. right between DuPont Circle and George Washington University. It really is an amazing feeling being here. We drive across the Arlington Memorial Bridge quite a lot and we see the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Memorial everyday. We have yet to ride the Metro but I am sure that will be in the near future!

Today (or I guess yesterday since I am writing this at 5am...couldn't sleep so why not blog!) was a big day for everyone. Shane started work and I navigated my way around the D.C. area in the car! Driving here is a bit scary! We have a GPS system (a must) but sometimes the roads are tricky and so many stinkin' round-abouts with multiple lanes, lights, exits, etc. that finding a place can take quite a few "recalculating" responses from the sweet lady on my GPS!

So the kids and I set out to find a grocery/general merchandise store...kinda like the Super Wal-Mart that is just down the road from where we used to live in WA. Well no Super Wal-Mart in the D.C. area (thanks to Kiki for checking for me) but I did find a Target that had a Fresh Market! So off we went!

I think I navigated the streets pretty well. Recalculated a few times but I was always redirected and eventually I saw that familiar red TARGET sign! As I walked in with my 3 kids and a big huge belly I felt like I could really pull this off! Hey if I can find Target I can do anything right!?

As I walked the aisles of Target I got this overwhelming feeling of security and peace! I was home! It was amazing! I loved every minute there and relished in the joys of feeling like I belonged...well kinda. Me and my 3 kids & 1 on the way stick out just a bit. "which one of these is not like the other...) I have a blinking arrow pointing right at me!

So whenever I get homesick I know I can walk the aisles of Target and find peace! I may need to go weekly...daily...multiple times...until I get the swing of east coast livin'!

Tomorrows agenda...take 3 kids to a lap pool in the building while everyone else is hard at work! I am pretty sure they are the only kids here! (I am also pretty sure that this pool is not intended to entertain 3 water lovin' kids but...)

So wish us luck on our next adventure!

To Give or Not to Give...

2010-04-19T15:24:00.000-04:00

I always hate getting the donation phone calls from various organizations! I am happy now that I have caller ID and I can screen those calls! It has saved me a lot of time trying to tell the people on the other end that I am just not able to give or that I give to other charities...etc. But when I read my brother's blog The Three Amigos I was humbled.

You see my dear sweet and fun life loving younger brother has a great idea! He is always one to think outside the box and has always wanted to do something great with his life. I have always known that he would but never knew what until recently.

On a not so unusual evening with his wife he related how he had been thinking about what more he could do for others. And sure he pays 10% of his income to charity and donates here and there but he wanted to do more! So that is when he dreamed up a plan to start a movement...

One Million Dollars in One Year

for St. Judes Children's Hospital.

He has set the wheels spinning and has launched a website for those who wish to help in this cause to donate. He and his wife are putting in their free time and energy into spreading the word and doing all they can to so that everyone in the world knows about this cause.

It really has inspired me to think more about where my money goes. I also give 10% of my income to charity and sometimes I feel that is enough... but is it? So I want to join in this cause to help and ask that everyone who reads this to help too!

** Put up a One Million button on your blog.

** Take 5 mins to donate $10. You can access St. Judes right from my brother's website.

** Inspire those around you to give.

** Start a small change jar in your house or office.

** Visit my brother's website for inspiration!

If you need to read some more begging and pleading visit my sister's blog! She has some great words of encouragement!

So can we take on this challenge?

One Million in One Year?????

Sure WE can!

DISNEYLAND...

2009-12-08T01:12:00.000-05:00

At last only a few months later and our trip to California early this year is coming to a close!!

We topped off our fabulous trip by celebrating birthdays the way they were meant to be celebrated...at Disneyland!

We had not only one.

More that two.

Yes we celebrated three birthdays!

Alli, Andrew, and my Mom all share August 7th as their Birthday! And I am pretty sure that all three loved spending their special day at the "Happiest Place on Earth"!!

We started our day early and lost valuable time as we searched for the stinkin' entrance to the above mentioned "happiest...."! But eventually we made it to the parking garage and rode the tram to the gates!

We were excited to be in the middle of all the Disneyland fun! Our first ride was the Matterhorn! Even Ty got to ride with us (not sure he enjoyed it as much as we did!!)

Because we were only there in Disneyland for one day we tried to make the most of our time. We ran here and there getting Fast Passes for the popular rides and were constantly searching for the elusive Disney Characters to get pictures and autographs!

Of course we hit some of the favorite rides! Here we are spinning on the Tea Cups! Shane and Grandpa sat this one out! (Not sure why!?)We thought the Nemo ride was pretty neat! This photo was taken before they told us "no flash photography". Oops!

Of course we made it to "It's a Small World"...And yes we did sing along! Well...at least one of us did! This is my Mom's favorite ride of all time! And if ever you visit Idaho...(yes I know D-land is not in Idaho just listen) you can hear my sweet father play a tribute to Small World on the piano as a part of his musical ramblings! He loves my mom so much!!!And it was these faces that kept us going all day long! It was a fabulous day...a very tiring one! What a fun way to celebrate my two sweet children's and my wonderful Mother's Birthday! Happy Golden Birthday Alli and Andrew!

Sunny Newport Beach

2009-09-22T12:29:00.000-04:00

We were roasting in Palm Springs but enjoying every moment! Next we headed to the coast or closer to Disneyland for our much anticipated birthday extravaganza! We decided to hit one of the beaches close to our hotel! So Newport Beach it was! Shane and I were excited to see the kids really enjoy a beach where you could wear a swimsuit and jump and play in the water without freezing! We picked out a great spot and then it was off to see the waves~~!

We found lots of seashells!

And one beached whale!!

We played in the water!

We smooshed the sand!

We splashed in the water!

We played "leap frog" well..."leap Ty"

We took a stroll on the Pier!

We gazed out at the great Pacific Ocean!

We got the sun in our eyes!

We braved the mighty waves!

But most of all we posed for the camera!

After our day at the beach we headed to Knott's Berry Farms for their famous "Chicken Dinner!" By the end of the night we were exhausted...

We finished the day just in time to get some rest before we were to wake up the next day bright and early to go to the happiest place on earth!!

Lets keep this vacation train a movin'...

choo choo...

next stop...

DISNEYLAND!!!!

Swimming with a side of sizzle

2009-09-06T00:33:00.000-04:00

Our next big adventure in CA was at Knott's Splash City. We had an amazing time splashing, slip-sliding, and feet frying! We had a blast!

Next up...we catch some real waves!

Golden Birthday x2

2009-08-15T21:57:00.000-04:00

Alli and Andrew my two incredible, smart, cute, and funny twins just celebrated their "Golden Birthday!!!" That is right on August 7th they turned 7!!! Shane and I can't believe that we have 2...count them 2!!! 7-year-olds! Well to celebrate this momentous occasion we planned an elaborate Birthday bash that involved lots of driving, high temperatures, and...oh a Magical place called Disneyland!!!!!

We started out with the long drive down to Palm Springs area to meet up with the Grandparents. Grandma Shari just happens to have her birthday on August 7th too!!! We arrived in sunny southern Cali and were excited for the warm weather and sun we would be enjoying for the next few days. While in Palm Springs we got to do lots of playing.

On our first day there we visited the Living Desert. It is basically a condensed zoo. One of the fabulous things we got to do was feed the giraffes. Wow!!! This was a really cool experience!

All of the animals we saw were...wait for it...Desert animals hence the name the Living Desert! Well I guess we were in the desert so temps were hot...really hot...110 degrees hot! But we loved it!

Did I mention that it was hot that day?

Peeking at the animals!

We got to see a Kestrel Falcon up close!

"where did the lizard go?"

Way to grab the goat by the horn Andrew!

We loved seeing the animals! Here are are some of our favorite ones...

ooops...here they are...

Andrew's favorite was the Camel --Alli and Ty loved the Cheetah!!

It was a pretty neat experience! Everyone of us enjoyed our little adventure!

The next thing on our list...swimming!

My life is a broken record.

2009-05-05T23:59:00.000-04:00

Day by day...Hour by hour...minute by minute...

I find myself saying "Didn't I just..."

Didn't I just clean the kitchen?

Didn't I just do 20 loads of laundry?

Didn't I just clean the non-washed down "kid spit" out of the sink?

Didn't I just spend 1000 hours on Peachtree?

Didn't I just clean up the toy room?

Didn't I just change your diaper?

Didn't I just clear out all of the "too small" clothes out of the closet (for the kids)?

Didn't I just tuck you in for bed?

Didn't I just go to the store?

Or my favorite...Didn't I just post something on my blog?

See everyday it is the same. The only thing that changes are the smiles on the faces of my family when they know that I do it all over and over just for them! (well maybe not Peachtree or blogging) They are worth it!

Now I need to go fold that load of laundry I swear I just folded!

Refusing to turn 3

2009-04-23T23:20:00.000-04:00

Ty celebrated his 3rd birthday on Monday. Although if you ask him...he is still 2. We had a great celebration. It started with a Pan"cake" breakfast.

Golfing with Dad was a special treat. Then finally the big party at the Park! Ty was excited to invited "nuncle natan, will, yayton, avee, cassity(x2), yissa, aunt kiki, aunt hidy, kasin, nuncle scaut, and kendy."

All day long he talked about his cake. He wanted worms on it so his wish was my command! It was fun to see him enjoy his day.

I think he loved everything he got at his 3rd birthday party but refuses to turn 3 because that means he needs go potty in the toilet, stop waking Mom up at night, and drink from a big boy cup! Here are some questions he is asked regularly with his usual answers!

Do you want to go pee pee in the potty?

"No, I go pee pee in my diaper!"

Are you 3 today?

"No, I not 3, I 2"

Are you my Big Boy?

"No, I not big, I little"

Can you clean up your toys?

"No, I not clean, YOU clean ma toys mom" or "No way mom jose!"

As you can see his favorite thing to say is "No!!"

He is a great joy in our family and we can honestly say that he rules this roost!

p.s. - Ty should be in bed but he is tormenting me. His birthday balloon is on the ceiling in my "vaulted ceiling" room. I tell him I will get it tomorrow. He tells me "I gonna get monster power and i get it!" I guess it is true...3 year olds are monsters!

Volumize this!

2009-04-14T19:48:00.000-04:00

For 31 years I have suffered from a well know hair status known as "fine" hair. Those who love me call it stringy & flat! Well, I for years have been battling this condition and have sought solace in all kinds of products promising umph and lift!

I am here to say in the words of REO Speedwagon "I don't believe it...not for a minute" They just don't work. Not even having a bowl hair cut until I was 8yrs old helped give me any more than what I got. I have tried every product out there and in fact I have countless bottles of umph under my sink half used because after awhile they-- just don't work.

So what is a girl to do?... I guess I get out of bed every morning, bend over and blow dry my hair! And for one maybe two minutes after I flip up my hair it will have body and life!

BEEP BEEP

2009-03-14T14:22:00.000-04:00

the Card Co. is here! For any of you who may be interested. I have merchandise here at my house. Feel free to stop by or call me if you want to come see what I got! We were just at a show last weekend so I am keeping the show prices and you can save on shipping too!!

So come on over!

I have card kits, ribbon, stamps, embellishments, and more! For a preview go to http://www.thecardco.com/

Good Things

2009-03-03T00:16:00.000-05:00

A list of "Good Things" I encountered today:

* Peachtree is complete!!!!!!

* I only had 2 Girls Scout cookies instead of 5...,6...,7...

* I exercised.

* I made dinner.

* I did laundry.

* I bathed my smelly 2 year old!

And all of these Good Things were made possible by today's bright rays of that sweet sunshine! I could have pretty much guaranteed a "Stinker" of a day if that sun didn't shine! So here's to you...you beautiful red/orange ball!

Keep on shining! Mama likey!

A little FYI for those who don't know!

2009-01-29T18:11:00.000-05:00

So I thought that I would fill you in on the Peachtree "joke"! For my business I am responsible for the accounting side. Why you may ask??? Well simple really...I married an accountant! Believe me it is not because of my stellar skills in the math department. In fact I am reminded everyday how "NOT" skilled I am with numbers!

So we have established my "inabilities" in Math but, we have yet to discuss my "abilities" in the procrastinating department! I can procrastinate like no ones bid-ness! I am really remarkable at this talent! So remarkably talented that I have managed to procrastinate a whole years worth of Card Co. accounting ("keeping the books" for those who are down with the lingo) on the oh so loved Peachtree software. So for this last month...January IS almost over right? I have been slaving away at my beloved Peachtree! The only joy and solace I have found in these few weeks has been mocking the before mentioned software and joking about how I would love for it to burn! So there you have it...the whole story!

On a side info note** I have found that Peachtree and chocolate (Thanks Tamara & Jean) go very well together! So I better finish soon or my rear end might just be bigger than it was when I began this quest many moons ago!

(no pun intended)

I can't wait until the day when I will call Peachtree my friend no longer! Bon Voyage and I hope to not see you again...well at least until next month!

Winter time

2009-01-10T19:51:00.001-05:00

One of the things I love in the winter time is a good roaring fire (a real one) on a cold day. Now that I live in the NW I don't get to enjoy them at all. Sure I have a fake fireplace but I don't use it much.

So if I had a wood burning fireplace I would definitely use it. And you know what wood I would use? Peach tree wood. Iwould kick back and watch as the wood was devoured in the flames. It would bring my life so much joy! I would watch it burn all night long and when the fire starts to die I would be right there to throw on more peach tree wood! Oh to have a fireplace that burns peach tree wood! Now that would be the life!

Deep Thoughts

2009-01-09T21:58:00.001-05:00

If I was a tree.

I would be a Peach tree!

The Tale of Two Vacations.

2009-01-02T13:15:00.000-05:00

It was the best of times...It was the worst of times...

To celebrate our 10th Anniversary Shane and I sailed the seas on a 7 night Western Caribbean cruise! It was amazing!

We had some great company too! Shane's sister Sommer and her "EC" Eric!!!

They were so excited to be hanging out with us!!

"What a way to celebrate. A fun filled 7 day cruise in the Caribbean with my fabulous husband of 10 years. It was a great get away and we fell in love all over again (I know I am a bit cheesy!).

We are so in love!!!!

Hmmmm...what should we have for dinner tonight??? Not cooking anything for a week was...wait for it...wait for it... A DREAM COME TRUE!!!!

Shane on Isla Pasion! Who could resist this eh????

We had a fabulous excursion to this quaint island in Cozumel.

Mayan ruins at Chankanaab while in Costa Maya.

The pier at Costa Maya! It was a beautiful day just a bit windy!!

The Bahamas! We went to a great beach and soaked up the sun!

We had fun at ports but we also had fun on the "Fun Ship Carnival Glory"!!!

Shane was a big fan of the "free anytime" soft serve ice cream!

See...we are so in love...

An Anniversary gift from our cabin Steward Frannie!

Our 2nd Formal night.

(Julie's wardrobe provided by: the Kiki Co.! Thanks!)

Posing with our Supercharge Matre'D Joseph.

"It'sa Showtime!!!"

The final day we saw a beautiful sunset. What a perfect ending to a perfect week!

Now I would like to insert my 3 page hand written post I wrote while on a 6 hour flight from Orlando to Seattle on that fateful returning home night...
"All was great until...the returning home part. Shane and I flew on separate flights (the reason...Shane was in Orlando a week early for work and I met him there.) We tried to coordinate flights but we couldn't! While we were on the cruise we got the pleasure of seeing all the bad weather at home we were missing! (We had fabulous weather!) Upon arriving at the airport we were sitting pretty! We just had a fabulous relaxing week, we were excited to go home and see the kids and all the bad weather was hitting the Mid-West and NE so we were in the clear! (or so we thought) The only obstacle in sight was our 10:45am arrival at the Orlando airport or MCO and our 2:30pm, 5:05pm, and 6pm departures!!! No worries! We had dominoes!

Playing dominoes at "our" table in Orlando airport!

Shane was first to leave, then Somm & Eric, then the last...me! We chilled at our table, played dominoes, ate Queso from Chili's (the 1st time) until it was finally Shane's time. We gave hugs good-bye and he was off. Sommer, Eric & I shopped at the MCO "mall" and while I was contemplating a purchase Shane called and said his connecting flight from ATL to PDX was cancelled! (Que the "dooms day" music!) Cancelled because of bad weather in PDX! What???? We thought we didn't have to worry about that. So here is the next few hours in a short recap:

All Delta flights to PDX cancelled for the day/night.
Our 2 big suitcases on a flight from MCO to ATL and then who knows????
Shane booked on 2 different flights hoping he will make it to PDX sometime Sunday afternoon. (we were both to be back Saturday night)
Sommer & Eric's flight was oversold so they opted for a next day departure hoping that SLC wouldn't be the next airport casualty.
I can make it to Seattle but my connection to PDX is cancelled and I am looking forward to a night in the SEA-TAC airport.

So I was the last to leave now I am the first to leave. Off I go to SEA to spend the night in the airport and make a connection at 6am for PDX-fingers crossed! With an unhappy gut full of queso and not a yummy Chick-fil-a sandwich as I had hoped I was off to my gate. Looking for a outlet to charge my phone for a few minutes before boarding my ride. I finally settle in my seat and I think the only unpleasant thing in my future is a night at the SEA airport! However I was wrong. Before take off (after they closed the doors mind you) the Captain comes on the speaker to say in essence SEA is expecting a storm and we may have to stop in Boise or Spokane but we wont know until we get closer. Also because of headwinds this flight will be longer than normal-6.5 hours!!! I was so ready to rent a "Digiplayer" to secure my entertainment for this long flight when they SOLD OUT in the row in front of me! I am a bit ticked off at this point and wondering when my "bad luck" streak will end. Well with no movies I go to my second choice - reading my book (Persuasion by Jane Austen). I am pretty sure I will be able to finish it! I don't want to sleep because I will need to be really tired to sleep tonight in a chair huddling my purse and 2 small suitcases in the SEA airport. Well, at about 5 hours I decide I can't read anymore and I get my ipod out only to discover the battery is dead!!! Then my tummy rumbles and I cheer myself with noise of the light attendants bringing cookies!!!! Yeah! Alaska has yummy cookies! As they get closer I see...OATMEAL RAISIN! GAG, yuck! I hate raisins! So the hunger pains continue although I ate enough food this last week to have a good supply. Maybe my body will turn on itself and start consuming that 10lb supply. So I resolved myself to nothing of any joy or pleasure coming my way! I just hope I make it home before Christmas. So with a landing in SEA tonight still in question I am back to reading Jane Austen."

That was the end of my 3 page note but that is not the end of this story! I know it is long! I lived it for crying out loud all you have to do is read it!!!!!!

So we must be getting close. I can only read for so long. The Captain comes on and we are landing in SEA! Hurray! After a little while longer..."They cleared the runway for us...never mind it is too windy and icy and we only have enough fuel to return to Spokane!" oh and a "Thanks for your patience" was added! So off to Spokane we go. We land and then we wait and wait and wait and wait. We wait on the tarmac for 3.5 hours! Then we deplane and join the passengers from 6 other planes in the small Spokane airport!

This is what it looks like in Spokane.

Not very hopeful sights! But luck was on our side and we were on one of the 2 planes allowed to leave Spokane for SEA. The bad weather was cleared and our pilots still had time to fly. The other 5 planes had to stay because their pilots were over their allotted hours and needed 8hrs of sleep! So off to SEA we go! I hope our plane lands and we are not one of the unlucky ones that braved the storm and icy runways just to have an accident. Well we make it and the whole plane cheers and claps! We made it! It was 3:30am (body time it was 6:30am and I haven't slept all night!) I hear from Shane he is on his way to ATL. So I get to SEA and retrieve my bag and make my way to my 6am connection. Horrible lines and unknown to me about 12,000 people(airport rumors) stayed the night in SEA and I would say that 11,999 were in the line I needed to be in to check in for my flight! Well I make it thru the lines and arrive at my gate at 5:20am with just a few minutes to charge my phone before I board. At 5:20am my flight is on time. At 5:40am my flight is CANCELLED!!!!! So I join the 11,999 people in one of the 5 -7 lines formed. However, no line had a airline representative at the end helping anyone so it was like playing Russian roulette. You didn't know which line was the best to be in. So this is when I started making friends! Pilot friends that gave me the inside info, friends who watched my bag and saved my chair while I went potty, friends who held my place in several lines and friends who offered me food because I didn't want to leave just in case I made the continually delayed flight! I made friends with lots of people but there is only one who ended up being a "the one who made my day" airport friend!! I was booked as standby #48 who was then bumped to #61 on a flight that kept being delayed. I waited in the SEA airport from 3:30am to well I lost track of when I left but it was sometime between 6 & 7pm Sunday night. All the while Shane made it home and was on one of the few flights that landed in PDX that day. So Shane booked me a night at a fabulously lush and uncommonly inexpensive Marriot by the SEA airport. (He loves me!) So armed with my bag of dirty clothes I was hoping for a bite to eat (did not eat much that day), a shower to clean up (going on 2 days of airport funk!), and a good nights sleep (been up for 36 hrs). I had just settled in and was hearing planes taking off at the airport (cursing and hoping I didn't miss the flight!) when I received a call from my #1 airport friend. Her husband was there to get her and they had one seat for me if I wanted it! (I don't really know this lady. She was also going to PDX.) All of my "stranger danger" feelings kicked in but the "I need to get home" feelings were stronger. I called Shane to ask his thoughts and in the background I heard my Mom-in-law say "You tell her to get in that car!!! Go right now!!!" So I called my buddy back and accepted her ride home. They picked me up and I was really praying that I would make it home okay! I was hoping that this would be the one time it would be okay to get a ride from a stranger! The roads were horrible and the way her hubby drove made me tense with fear for my life the whole 3.5 hours home. (Early reports from others driving from PDX to SEA to pick up loved ones was that the drive was about 5 hours long because of road conditions.) Normally it takes about 3 hours? Yeah so we made good time. They dropped me off at 1:30am Monday morning at the Cheveron right at the I-5 and I-205 interchange and Shane was right there to pick me up!!! It was a Christmas miracle! I made it home! I offered money but they refused and told me to "pay it forward"! What a great family! Thanks! So I made it home at last and while catching a good nights rest Alaska Airlines called on Tuesday the 23rd at 5am to tell me that my flight was cancelled! I was unaware I was booked on any flight! So there you have it! Long huh!

The beginning of my airport journey in Spokane.

The end of my journey in the hotel room! Please don't judge...I was in a bad place!

So as you can see we covered both ends of the spectrum! We had a great time! Happy Anniversary to us!

Give thanks!

2008-11-30T22:38:00.000-05:00

We enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving! You can read more about it at Rushing Review under the "A day of thanks" post. We spent the day with the other Rushings. It was a great day and we enjoyed spending time with family.

If I only had a brain.

2008-11-20T14:53:00.000-05:00

(a conversation between A & A yesterday in the car)

Andrew: How do you know that?

Alli: I am smart! My brain just works good!

I wish my brain worked good! Some days I am not sure I have a brain!

Oh to have a brain that just works good...

Q & A:

2008-11-13T23:21:00.001-05:00

You asked (well 2 of you asked/one of you asked a lot!!) and I will answer!

1. How am I doing with organizing?

I am trying hard. I watched Oprah's "Clean up your messy house" with Peter Walsh...and it was inspiring. So I am going to join the challenge by May my life should be clutter-free. (Just a note: My house isn't that dirty or that clutter-y. I just have certain areas that need help so don't go thinkin' I am a slob! It is just hard to keep order when you have 3 tornados that enter as you exit!)

2. Pictures of my bonus room.

Well you will still have to wait on that one. I am still working on it!

3. Favorite color/food/store?

Green/candy/Target

You really can't go wrong with any of those things!

So I would like to bid a fond farewell to everyone that has followed my 30 days because as of tonight at midnight I am off duty!!!!!!!!!!

Wall-E

2008-11-13T02:16:00.000-05:00

I can't help it...my kids can't help it...every time we see Wall-E (on pictures, posters, commercials, trinkets or toys) we have to say his name like a robot! Now I have a son that looks like Wall-E. We haven't even seen the movie............

Happy Birthday!!!!

2008-11-11T23:12:00.001-05:00

Today is Shane's birthday and as the birthday boy he requested one special treat....That I not post any pictures or give a big whoopla about his B-day. So I will simple say Happy Birthday and we love you! I hope you enjoyed your day!

Ahh....

2008-11-10T19:50:00.000-05:00

I have come to love the sweet release "of stress" that comes with a good dose of Diet Dr. Pepper! I am not a daily soda drinker but I do love the occasional Diet Dr. Pepper and today was a great day for a Sonic Happy Hour $.95 Large Diet Dr. P! Ahhhh.....life is good!

What do you want to know????

2008-11-10T00:16:00.000-05:00

I am taking one from my sister-in-law. I am running out of ideas! I didn't think that was possible but after 26 days of posting in a row...I am finding that the idea well is dry!!! So what should I talk about?? Anyone have questions?? Let me know...I will be here all week!

My picks for "Chick Flicks"...

2008-11-09T02:04:00.000-05:00

I know that you are all dying to know what my choices are!!! Chances are that your choices are the same as mine. So here is my top ten...(they are not in order, it is way to late for me to prioritize)

10. 13 going on 30
9. Sense and Sensibility
8. Pride & Prejudice (I like the Colin Firth one but I rarely have 6 hrs to watch a movie so I usually I watch the newest one and I kinda like it better.)
7. Persuasion
6. The Notebook
5. Music & Lyrics
4. The Prince & Me
3. Ever After
2. Moulin Rouge
1. Never Been Kissed

So there you have it! You have just gain a sliver of insight into my life! So what about you?? What are your favorite Chick Flicks????? I am always looking for more!

Name that tune!!

2008-11-07T22:30:00.000-05:00

"...better than anything else that I've tried. Your love is better than..."

Anyone know??? I tried to make it hard. Hannah-you should know!!

Oops I forgot...

2008-11-07T01:10:00.000-05:00

I forgot that I needed to post this evening until...NOW! I have been too busy:

*Playing my my new PC.
*Tucking in restless children.
*Having a strange texting conversation with my sweetie.
*Watching ER.
*(Shane close your eyes...) Spending way to much money on books. (I can blame it on my mother for teaching us to love books. It has taken me quite awhile to catch on.)
*Reading "some ones" very impatient comment!!!!!!!
*Cleaning my room!

So here it is! I am happy I remembered in time although I am sure there are quite a number of things that I forgot to do today!

My star of the week...

2008-11-05T16:06:00.000-05:00

This week Andrew is the "Star of the Week" in his school class. I just thought I would take a little bit of time and share with you why he is my star of the week. (well he is always a star to me but you know what I mean...)

Andrew is such a good play buddy with Alli and with Ty.

He loves art and is such a great artist. He can draw a great crab!!

Andrew is so full of life, so excited, and has such a sparkling personality!

He is not afraid to tell it like it is!

He shares a room with Ty and that is not easy!

He is a good helper to his Mamma.
Andrew is so creative and I love seeing his imagination at work!
He is a GREAT kid and I love him so much!

Andrew you are a superstar to me!

Love, Mom

Boooooooo

2008-11-05T01:23:00.000-05:00

Mama no like-y.

Choosing feedom!

2008-11-04T17:55:00.000-05:00

Today is the day to vote!

Exercise your freedom and raise your voice.

A wise women once said...

2008-11-03T22:58:00.000-05:00

"Just do one thing at a time"

"Reflect on the things you DID do"

"Attitude, Attitude!!!!!"

Yes a wise women indeed. I learned today that I need to view the glass as "half full". And today I didn't do much but I did do something and that is what is important!!! The road to organization wasn't built in a day! I think this will be a process. Much like scrapbooking...it never ends!

Quote of the Day

2008-11-02T12:19:00.001-05:00

This one is from my sweet Alli girl! She said this last night. The kids were tucked in tight (or so we thought) and Alli comes walking downstairs...This what she said to us...

"Mom, Dad, I am trying to sleep but my mind is just keeping me awake!"

Dad said "Well you tell that mind to shape up or I will put it in the corner!!!!"

Alli: "Well if you put it in the corner you will put me in the corner too!

Needless to say Shane and I had fun with this one!

She gave up on trying and returned to her bed without any further discussion! (on her side!)

5 Reasons why I should not post...

2008-11-02T00:08:00.000-04:00

1. I have plenty more things to do!

2. Nobody reads my posts.

3. Bobby has had his fill of Football and now we can do something else. Like watch a movie & relax.

4. My kids are escaping from their beds and I happen to be the Warden!

5. It is late and I just don't wanna!

Halloween... CHECK

2008-11-01T01:06:00.000-04:00

Fabulous costumes... CHECK
Lots of candy...CHECK
Hyper kids (candy rush)...CHECK
Nice weather for Trick or Treat...CHECK
Fun had by all...CHECK

It is now over...DOUBLE CHECK!!!!!

Headem' up and move it on outta here...Halloweenie is d-u-n dun!

One word...

2008-10-31T01:06:00.000-04:00

ORGANIZED!

That is what I have to be. I am not sure that I can accomplish this task especially with my track record. For 31 years now I have not been organized. I like to be organized but I have never quite attained that status. For 31 years I have:

Been late to most functions.

Had a case of the "dropsies"

Made lists to never finish them.

Failed at time management.

Put my priorities in the wrong order.

Failed to accomplish many a project.

Forgotten many a thing.

Lost many a things!

Procrastinated!

The list goes on but I think I have hit the wall of "un-organization & company" and I am now faced with a decision. Do I crawl back to the hole I was in or do I put on my rock climbing shoes and start scaling the wall.

Well...

if I had a choice I would choose the hole...

You know it is going to be a bad day when...

2008-10-30T01:00:00.000-04:00

You check a diaper for poop and your finger comes out with...poop! So gross I know!

Your 2.5 year old refuses to nap...cranky here we come!!

You burn dinner to a crisp...yes we had charcoal with a side of spaghetti sauce.

Okay those are really the only "bad" things that happened to me today! But it was just enough to throw my morning, afternoon, and evening off!

Halloween...

2008-10-29T01:02:00.000-04:00

I don't really like the holiday. Well I guess I have a love/hate relationship with this holiday. I love the candy and the decorations but I hate the costume junk! I think it stems from my childhood years. I don't think my mother was inspired in the costume department. I don't think I have one picture of me as a kid dressed up for Halloween. Maybe I do? Mom-let me know huh?!

This year there is one thing about Halloween I just love. It has to do with my third child...Ty. He has an incredible monster roar. And what I love is that he roars at anything and everything. We can be outside and he is giving roars to bugs, plants, birds, etc. Or we can be walking the aisles at Target and he gives a ferocious roar to the people as they pass us! Every time I laugh and I think of what a great blessing this funny little 2 year old is!

I hate to re-post this picture but as you can see Ty is right in the middle of his monster ROARRRRRR!

Pumpkin Patch 2008

2008-10-28T00:01:00.000-04:00

I love going to the pumpkin patch! It is fun to see the kids run around and enjoy seeing all the sights of fall and harvest. So here are a few pictures from our experience. Maybe some of you might recall that my picture taking was so rudely interrupted by a faulty memory card but I think I got some good shots!

Andrew surveying the sea of pumpkins.

I think that is the Pumpkin Princess!

Ty found his!

The hay maze is a favorite of all the kids! It is very small but so much fun! Ty had fun chasing the big kids around.

Home.

2008-10-26T22:54:00.000-04:00

Bobby is back! No not Bobby Brown. Bobby Rushing! More tomorrow!

Light at the end of the tunnel

2008-10-25T22:57:00.000-04:00

This weekend Bobby has been away enjoying his roots with his brother. They went to (and are currently at) a University of Tennessee football game. If you are not aware at this time of year the love of my life has 2 loves of his lives College Football (more specifically UT football) and me!! (he loves his kids too. I am just saying this for blogging purposes!) So he is enjoying the first! In fact he is basking in a sea of orange and white as I speak/write. Go Big Orange!

And now with bedtime looming I can see the light and soon the house will be quiet and I will enjoy every last Jane Austen film I can think of! Too bad I have to fold laundry while I watch! Oh well at least I can see the light!

Therapy

2008-10-25T01:13:00.000-04:00

I think the best therapy is to go shopping! Today I hit the mall and I had fun!!! Armed with a little dough I scored for being a great person, I went to the mall to blow every last penny! Although I did not. (I am saving some to take the kids to see HSM3!!) Then for dinner I took the kids out to the Old Spaghetti Factory! Then I was able to attend a fun party with friends! Today was fun!

I can't decide...

2008-10-23T23:26:00.000-04:00

if I am indecisive or not. I have been trying to figure that out for the last oh...31 years of my life! Although I think I was very decisive when I entered this world. According to my mother I came quickly. There was no waiting around in the birth canal deciding if I should come out or not!! But from then on I think maybe I have had a hard time deciding things. Although I am not sure I have a problem. Maybe I just value the ideas and opinions of others. Or maybe I just don't like to being a trail blazer. I don't know. I just don't know. Hmmm...does anyone out there have any ideas or opinions they would like to share about my questionable indecisiveness??? I would love to hear because as you can tell I am undecided on this topic!

One more thing

2008-10-23T00:18:00.000-04:00

Well it is the end of the evening and every inch of my body is screaming for sleep! But I must do one more thing...post! So I do what I have to do to survive!

Until tomorrow...

Sleepy Time...

2008-10-21T23:45:00.000-04:00

So every night I enter my kids rooms full of love for them and wishes that I will be a better mother to them tomorrow! Usually I find them snuggled in and I give them a kiss on the head/foot/or whatever I have access to but every once in awhile I find strange things when I enter! Look at the pictures and judge for yourselves...

Andrew with a bowl on his head...

Alli with a bunch of stuffed animals up her PJ shirt...

Or Ty with a bunch of toys strewn about his bed...

If we are judging from these pictures I would say that Ty is the most normal sleeper but because I am his mother I know differently!

Hair today... gone tomorrow!

2008-10-20T23:14:00.000-04:00

So many of you know that we finally cut Ty's hair! What you may not know is how this came to be. Well...here's a story...of a little clippy...

Ty was really cute with long locks however, the longer his hair got the more just crazy head hair it got. And after a nap there was no taming it. Well the night before he was set to get it cut someone in our family decided that they would take matters in their own hands. And in their opinion "Ty looks like a girl mom, you need to cut his hair." So at dinner I was standing over Ty and I looked at his hair and thought "Gee his hair looks a bit short right here...did I do that?...Oh..." The light went on and I asked

"Did Ty cut his hair earlier with the scissors you guys were playing with?"

A&A: No Ty didn't cut his hair!

Me: Well who did then?

(All fingers point to...Andrew!)

Andrew: I cut his hair!! (he was very thrilled with himself like he was doing me a service!) I even cleaned up the mess. I put the hair in the garbage!

You can see that Andrew only got one side!

The evidence!

Well, so instead of a trim up Ty was going to receive a big hair cut and basically cut all his hair off! So here are some before and afters!

Before the cut...

Straggly but so cute! And it seemed to match his personality so well!

After the cut...

Still so cute! And he didn't loose his fun personality! If anything I think he has more of it!

Toothless

2008-10-19T23:11:00.000-04:00

There are 2 people in our family that have been losing teeth like they are going out of style! A few weeks ago the front teeth came out for Andrew and just about awhile ago Alli lost one of her front teeth. They were already missing a bunch of their bottom front teeth! So here are some pictures that were retrieved from my corrupted memory card. (thanks again to my neighbor John)...

Andrew getting his 1st front tooth pulled by Dad.

1 tooth gone!

Well, the first tooth came out at night. It was so loose I wanted to get it out before bedtime. (I didn't want any early morning choking sessions!) So he was so excited and he was sure that his other tooth was not far behind. We told him to go to bed and not to play with his other tooth. Well in the morning when I saw him his other tooth was poking out and all crooked. (He obviously had been playing with it.) Well, Andrew went downstairs for breakfast and the next time I saw him he was missing both of his teeth! His Dad pulled the other one out! Can you imagine Andrew's excitement about being visited by the Tooth Fairy 2 days in a row! So now we had a toothless face! (Just in time for school pictures!!)

Toothless Drew

Next up was Alli. She lost her 1st front tooth just about 2 weeks ago. She was very excited but she didn't want us to pull it out. Alli has had some trauma to her front teeth and they have been loose and shifting for quite sometime. (her trauma involved planting her 3 front teeth in Andrew's head in a running collision. She had to see Dr. D so she didn't loose them prematurely.) Well one of them finally came out! Shane and I helped just a bit (that is why I don't have many pictures of her. It took 2 of us to handle the situation!) Her other is really loose too but it is just content hanging around moving about in the big hole left by the other tooth!

Of course Ty couldn't miss out on the fun! Here is Dad pulling Ty's tooth! (don't worry it was all pretend!) He is just a big copy cat!

Pictures? What pictures?

2008-10-18T22:43:00.000-04:00

I have been pretty picture-less lately on my blog. Reasons are simple...yet complicated. I recently upgraded my camera situation and in the last month I have taken lots and lots of photos. Many photos have already been designated to different posts. I just have not sat down and transferred pictures to my computer. I know it is not a hard thing to do! I just haven't done it. Well today we went to the Pumpkin Patch and I was in photography bliss. The first chance I have had at a great location, great reason, just great everything to take pictures. Well while I was snapping away my camera displayed an error message about my memory card. I wasn't even able to see my past pictures. I started to panic. And of course I didn't have another card so the picture taking fun was done! Well, on our way home I was hopeful that I would still be able to transfer my pictures to my computer. (I should have done this forever ago...I know, I know) However, after setting things up the response I received was "no images found". WHAT???? I have tons and tons of pictures documenting haircuts, losing teeth, pumpkin patch, etc. all of which the thought of not having them just makes me so saddy. Then a thought...I think a friend might know what to do. Yes sure enough she gives me the name of a place that has helped her before and then there is hope again. I called and... they are closed. I just didn't want the stress of waiting over the weekend to know if my pictures were gone or saved. Well after chatting with another friend I found a solution. Her husband was going to be able to help. (Thanks John!!) So the last update I received was that he was able to pull about 200+ photos and his magic handy work was still in the process of getting more! (I told you I took a lot!) So I have learned my lesson and will be transferring my pictures sooner. I will also be cursing technology for taking away my photo memories, while at the same time praising it for retrieving them!

Hitting the wall

2008-10-18T00:54:00.000-04:00

It has been a long week.

Too many paint fumes and not enough sleep...

I will be back tomorrow!

(maybe)

Project a go-go

2008-10-16T23:31:00.000-04:00

For the last few days I have been working on a project. What project you might ask? Well it involves my whole bonus room/toy room!! When my father was here a few weeks ago he helped me build or complete shelves in my bonus room. He was able to complete them and they look fabulous. Thanks Dad! You Rock! So on Monday I started sanding, caulking, painting, patching, etc. in the room to finish it off and finally (after 6 years going on 7) this room will be complete and all the "toy room" nicks will be erased (or at least painted over) to create a great fabulous room that we all can enjoy!

On a side note...it is really hard for me to do this 30 in 30 because my computer is on the floor covered in a sheet. Okay so it is not that bad but I have to complain about something! I have no complainin' to do about this room...It rocks! Hey I rock! Go me! (next week I will be ready to go back to being mediocre!)

30 posts in 30 days...

2008-10-16T01:13:00.001-04:00

Well I have decided to put my foot down and post all of my back logged post ideas! So I am teaming up with my sister-in-law and we are each posting on our blogs for the next 30 days!

Now with that said...I must move on to the meat of this post.

I think my Crock-Pot is on Steroids. Sure it has 3 settings (low, high & warm) but I think it can only process...Consistent INTENSE heat! I have looked and I can't find that setting anywhere so it must be an internal heating sensor that is only operated by my steroidal Rival. I am sorry to say that there is no "slow cookin'" involved in its cookin' process. So I think there is a lesson in this for all of us...Just Say NO!!

Spiders & Ghosts & ????

2008-10-13T20:24:00.000-04:00

Those are the things going bump in the night at our house. Ty recently has been having nightmares about...you guessed it! Spiders and Ghosts!

A few weeks ago I awoke to terrible cries and screaming coming from the boys room. I stumble in to hear Ty screaming "spiders get cho, spiders get Ty...on and on..." Well, he usually he sleeps with many a things and at this point he was sleeping with a whole box of little animals, dinosaurs, bugs with the occasional spider. Well being the great mom I am at 2am I thought he was screaming because he wanted the spiders. So I managed to find them by feeling around in the box handling all the critters til "ah ha" I found the spider. So I am already patting myself on the back because I found the spider in a box full of critters in the dark!!! (Way to go me!!) Then I hand it to him and he FREAKS OUT! Yelling about spiders getting him and crawling into the corner shaking! Now I am thinking... "not so good momma". I sat with him for I am sure hours (time goes by slowly when you are half asleep in the middle of the night!) trying to calm him down and tell him that the spider is a toy and that it is in fact "Ty's toy". So I listened to him repeat over and over...here is a tidbit of our conversation.

T: Ty's toy?

M: Yes it is Ty's toy. Spider is just a toy.

T: Ty's toy pider?

M: Yes it is your toy spider. Go to sleep now.

T: Mom, Ty's toy pider? (repeated oh 1000 times)

So I finally slip away and get back to my bed. I lay there and realize that he must have had a nightmare because while we were outside that day we saw a spider in a toy truck. Okay I think, crisis has been resolved...drifting off to sleep...then SCREAMING!!! And we repeat all that was mentioned before. This went on for umm...ALL night! The next morning the other 2 were warned not to mention spiders!!! I think this lasted for awhile. We didn't repeat a horrible night again until....LAST NIGHT!

Last night I awoke to screaming about Ghosts! This time I knew what to do and I was able to calm him quicker! Our conversation last night? Well it went a little like this:

T: Ghost get me?

M: No ghosts. They aren't real.

T: No more ghosts?

M: No more ghosts.

T: Whale get ghost?

M: Whale gets the ghost.

T: Whale bites ghost?

M: (trying not to laugh) Yes whale bites the ghost.

T: (he is smiling now) Shark bites ghost?

M: I repeat.

So he continues to name off many-a ocean critter that would bite the ghost. So I sufficiently calm and he gives kisses and says "goo-ni momma" and I retreat back to my bed to sleep for the rest of the...well I might have just gotten 20 mins and the the cycle began all over again. We did this 3 times and then I just decided that it wasn't so bad to have him come and sleep with us...at least we will all sleep right? All was quiet. The great thing about this is that Andrew wants to be a ghost for Halloween! So maybe our sleepless night caused by nightmares about ghosts is in a "to be continued" status!

Happy Birthday to ME!

2008-09-06T22:59:00.000-04:00

I just got used to being 30 in time to turn 31! Yes, I celebrated my 31st Birthday on the 4th. I spent the day doing whatever I wanted to do! I hung out with my big sis Kiki. My hubby invited me to come and have lunch with him downtown in the afternoon. I got my very dirty car cleaned. Although I was ready to shell out $49 for a Express Detail, I went to the wrong location so I settled for a $5 super clean and a $.50 vacuum job by me the Birthday Girl! Then I went to enrichment so I wouldn't have to cook dinner or take care of my kids that night (okay I also went to be spiritually uplifted!) I even got a birthday singin' to at enrichment! Thank you friends! Then to top it off I came home to blow out the candle on my birthday cake (thank you Kiki) while my family sang to me! What a day! Thank you to all who helped me celebrate!

Happy Birthday X 2

2008-08-18T00:20:00.000-04:00

On August 7th we celebrated Alli and Andrew's 6th Birthday! They were sooo excited about their birthdays that they started planning in January! I got so sick of talking about birthdays especially since it wasn't for another 7 months that I told them that we had to wait until July before we could say any more about what they were doing for their birthday. You may think I am a stinker of a mom but trust me this rule was put in place for the benefit of all involved!

For their party we had banana splits with all the toppings. They got to pick all the toppings and we had quite the yummy oooey gooey banana splits!

Of course there were presents and they just couldn't wait to get them. In fact they were a bit scared when they heard that only Will was attending from the other Rushing side. They were sad that the rest of crew would not be there then with a inquisitive/worried look they asked "So is he going to bring their gift?" I love that they are so young that it is just all about the party and presents!!

They loved their presents and especially the WebKinz from Grandma Rushing. They were so excited when they opened the box and Andrew found a cute Lion he named Goldie, and Alli found an adorable American Cocker Spaniel named Bella. Andrew was also trilled that he got more little animals to add to his collection. He is now 6 and still loves those animals! And to their great wonderment and surprise...they each received a Lil'Kinz from the other Rushings! They came away with great things! One special gift Andrew received was his very own set of golf clubs so he could go out golfing with Dad! He loves them. And Alli had her room decorated by Mom!

This last year has been full of great things. They are headed to 1st grade in few weeks and it is hard to believe that just 6 years ago I was holding the two most precious things in the world right in my arms! They are great kids and my life would not be compete without all that the stress of having TWO at the same time brings!! Alli and Andrew are quite a marvalous pair of 6 year olds!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

What was lost is still...

2008-07-29T00:33:00.000-04:00

LOST!! Now some of you might think that this post is about the TV show Lost but...no it is not! This is a sad little story/venting of my ability to lose things! Shall I start from the beginning??? Yes I think I shall.

So really and truly I love to organize! (I know who you are so stop laughing!!) I love to put things in their place and label things (thanks mom for the label machine!). So I love to organize! We all understand now right?? Well, here is where the problem lies...I have a hard time with follow thru and consistency! And when you put that together with organization you get one who likes to organize but doesn't finish the organizing task and one who only organizes once in awhile! That my friends is a BIG problem! So I have what I like to call "piles" of organization waiting to happen around the house! Now because I am not consistent these piles can stay for days/weeks/maybe even years unattended and only occasionally cleared out! Well now that you know the root of the problem! So as I stated to Kiki just a few days ago "I know it is here I just don't know where it is!" So it seems that I have lost many an important items as of late and "I know that it is here but now I just have to find it!" So I am stuck between a rock of "losing all my stuff" and a hard place of "organizing the whole house." I am feeling a bit squeezed lately! So sorry for the no postings and because I have finally vented maybe I can move on to happier things like reporting on all our summer activities!!! Until then...organize...clean...get rid of will be my motto!

To post or not to post????

2008-07-23T23:33:00.000-04:00

That my friends is the question!!

The Story of Women's Conference...

2008-06-04T17:36:00.000-04:00

I have decided to combat my boredom by coming up with a great story about our little trip to Utah for the 2008 "Awake, Arise, and Come Unto Me" Session of Women's Conference! It was a fabulous little trip and I was able to bond with my sweet Mother and my "Crazy" sister! (shh...don't tell her I said that!)

Well it all started one evening when we flew into SLC and down below was a sea of white...Snow!!! So the next morning we bundled our selves with what little warm clothing we had and set out for a great day on BYU's campus learning how to be better mothers, choose the best recreation, and how to not over schedule our kids!

We had a great time that first day! So much fun that we came home and soaked our cold and worn out bodies in the hot tub and drank warm herbal tea! Yummy! (the above picture is the only one of our 1st day!...we were to busy being spiritually edified and keeping our appendages from freezing off to take any other pictures!)

The next day was a bit warmer and we didn't have to layer as much but here is where the story really picks up! We hustled along with all of the other women in the crowd to our next class.While waiting in line for the class about "Making Prayers More Meaningful" we decided it was time to pull out our cameras and take pictures. So while waiting in line we had some fun...

We thought we were sooo funny and every time we snapped a new photo of ourselves we would bust up laughing. Keep in mind that we were in line with ohhh 100 women waiting for that snoozer...I mean class. People asked if they could take our picture for us but we refused because we were having so much fun! I referred to this class as a snoozer for the following reasons... We didn't get into the classroom and had to go to an overflow. All we got was an audio feed from the class. During that 1 hour class the three of us each took a little snoozer! Mom actually just caught flies! So as soon as that class was over we were in a hustle down to the Smith Field House where we were hoping to get into John Bytheway's class. Of course everyone else was trying to get there as well! We entered one door and followed the herd and then someone said "go to the other side!" So the herd violently changed directions and now were stampeding thru the tunnel and then once out we were all little lost sheep again until we saw the opening to the gym...Ah...we thought we would for sure make it until we get to the door and someone informs us that we have to go to the end of the line...so we walked down the track about 100yds and were at the end of the line and by that time we gave up and decided that today we would eat lunch! So off to Legend's Grill we went...

We then got to reflect on our times on BYU campus and especially our time at my beloved building the RB!

Now we were off to the Marriot Center so we could grab a great seat to see the Prophet speak! While we were waiting there was more fun to be had with our cameras!

After our fun we had a great opportunity to hear from Pres. Thomas S. Monson! He gave the concluding talk and then we gave a great sigh of enjoyment...Women's Conference turned out to be just what we three Mothers, Daughters, Wives, and Ladies needed!

So now we were left with the question..."Now what?" Well, I can tell you things got a bit scary!

We had been spiritually edified for the last 2 days and now it was time for some fun! So we did some sneaking around campus...

We found ourselves a car and went joy riding around campus!!

It was a blast but they finally caught us red handed...

We were photographed and we booked and charged for having too much fun making fools out of ourselves...Christy and I each got slapped with an extra fine because we were carrying weapons...Cameras! Here are our mugshots!

Loopy KiKi

(the mastermind behind the plan)

Suave Whoolia

Careful she can snap at any given moment!

Finally Spunky Shari

AKA Mad Medusa

Okay that was fun! Thanks for helping me add a bit of excitement to my story! All in all we had a great time! Thanks Christy and Mom for the great memories!

My baby is 2

2008-04-29T19:10:00.000-04:00

Just over a week ago we celebrated Ty's 2nd Birthday! He is getting so big and Shane and I can't believe that our little baby boy is now a BIG 2 year old! We had a great evening with family. The Rushing's and Dustin's came to help us celebrate.

As maybe some of you know I enjoy making cakes for my kids birthdays. Last year for Ty's 1st birthday I didn't make a cake because I was too indecisive about when we should have his party and long story short I bought the cake last minute at Wal-Mart and the sweet lady in the bakery wrote "Happy Birthday TY." So this year I was gonna make a cake! Next step decision time. For the last few months Ty has been alternating between Nemo and Cars. He loves cars and has Shane's old matchbox cars that he plays with endlessly...he even sleeps with them! Also he really loves fish and loves Nemo...so here was my problem. Nemo or Cars? Cars or Nemo?? Well a great wise woman told me to go with the one that had the best decorations! So that is what I did...kinda. I came up with a great idea for a Nemo cake and I just happened to find great decorations to go with it! So the night before I stayed up till about 2am working on that boys cake! (If I was making cakes for the twins...I don't think I would have gone to bed!) So the party was Nemo and thanks to his Aunts/Uncles/Cousins his presents were Cars!! He was so very excited! It was a great Birthday! What more does a 2 year old need huh?

He didn't care about blowing out his candle...he
wanted Nemo!!

Ty is such a sweet, funny, fun loving little boy and here is my tribute to my little boy...

* His talk is not refined and understandable but it sure is cute to listen to his words. Some examples-- "bunny" = funny, "Nanuuuu" = Andrew, "Yahee" = Alli, "Ma Cars" = My cars, "babin" = Open. He can say a few words really well like "mess" which is not a good one to hear! Not because he has a stinky diaper but because he has made a mess somewhere and it is now your job to find it and clean it!

* He loves following Alli and Andrew around! In fact the favorite game in the house is "monster!" Ty is always the monster (he does a good job of it I might add) and Alli and Andrew run around being chased by their little brother!

* He loves his Daddy and loves to watch sports with him!

* He is the best snuggler! He gives you tons of wet slobbery kisses and gives lots of hugs!

* On the other side he loves to hit! He hits and says "ah bunny!!!" Not so funny to his siblings whom we have to remind daily that they are 5 and he is only 2!!

* He is such a spirited little boy and we love having him in our family. There is not a day that goes by that we don't laugh at his silliness or benefit from his sweet hugs!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TY!!!

Note: If you are wondering why...Shane just loves his hair and wont let me cut it off!

Happy!

2008-04-21T20:51:00.000-04:00

Today while perusing thru blogs I overheard a few things...

Andrew: NO TY NO!!!
Ty: (starts to cry/whine/big fat lip)
Andrew: Oh Ty it's okay, oh Ty...(yadda yadda)

I am half way listening. I figure if Ty is not running to me he is okay and I don't have to intervene. Well this conversation with the boys continues for about 5 mins. (It is like a broken record.) Andrew yells at Ty and Ty starts whimpering and Andrew consoles Ty. So finally I turn around and find Andrew in the middle of his consoling part rubbing Ty's back and saying "its okay Ty its okay." Well the light bulb went off and I realized that this was a game to Andrew. (I know I should have know earlier) So I told him that he should not be yelling at his brother because he will think that is okay and we will have a copy cat incidence in other situations (i.e. nursery). So Andrew says...

"Okay, but I like to make him happy!"

Apparently you have to make someone sad before you can make them happy! I thought that was hilarious and wanted to share with you all! There is not a day that goes by that I don't laugh at the funny things my kids say/do! Now if the weather would just shape up I could be happy too!

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?

2008-04-14T19:25:00.000-04:00

I want to live in a pineapple under the sea! The salt water keeps the germs away and who doesn't like pineapple! The benefits are endless!

Happy Easter!

2008-03-24T00:52:00.001-04:00

We had a great Easter weekend. Here are a few pics of the kids in their Easter outfits. I didn't have time to get pictures before church so it took some bribery to get them out in the cold to take a few pictures for Mom after church! If you look closely you will see the orange fruit snack in Ty's teeth! It also looks like Alli has learned how to smile from her little bro Ty!

Also today was a special day for Alli...I am sure you have already seen. Today she lost her first baby tooth! She pulled it out all by herself in her Primary class! This tooth has been loose for months...and finally it was just looking like it would come out. She was playing with it all thru sacrament and I took her out to see if I could pull it out. (I was afraid that she would pull it out in her class...and she did!) Well I couldn't get it out without pulling too hard so off she went to Primary and yes later she pulled it out "all by myself!" She was so excited to put her tooth under her pillow and is expecting "lots of monies!" She will find out tomorrow morning how much she will get for that precious tooth!

I thought this was fun!

2008-03-20T14:07:00.001-04:00

How to keep a clean house...

2008-03-19T23:36:00.000-04:00

Christy- I have found a great way to keep my house clean...

Oh wait...they don't clean-- they destroy everything! And I can't pick up after them-and funny thing, they can't pick up after themselves either. This is what happens when mommy's belly hurts and can't clean the house! I have to say though most of the mess is created by my sweet little Ty! aka...my little destroying angel! Alli and Andrew have been good little helpers!

Dinner table conversation!

2008-03-17T23:51:00.000-04:00

What an exciting time tonight at dinner! We were so grateful to a friend for bringing us dinner tonight which was delish! Thanks! Alli and Andrew were harassing each other. Ty was staring at everyone from his chair in a cold induced glassed over stare and I was trying to finish a book! And of course Shane was still at work! Well after Alli spilled her drink twice! We got to talking about missionaries! Good topic! The kids asked me when I would be a missionary, to which I replied aren't we all missionaries? Then we talked about at what age boys serve a mission and when girls serve a mission. Andrew was sad that Alli got to go when she was 21 until I told him that he got to go before Alli! He was excited about that...then the topic turned to marriage when Andrew said "Alli you and I will be Mom and Dad together." Alli and I informed him that you can't marry your brother or sister. I said that they would each find a beautiful young woman or handsome young man to marry. Then Andrew said "what about Kennedy!" (so Kennedy if nothing works out you will always have Andrew!) I had to tell him that no you can't marry anyone in your family..."you will find a Hot Wife to marry!" And he said "mom, were you a hot wife?" And of course I answered "yeah I was! (still am)" Then he looked confused and said "you mean like with fire and stuff!" to which I replied "oh yeah baby!"

Then one more cute thing from my little Andrew...Tonight he said our family prayer and he said "I hope you had a good St. Patrick's Day, Heavenly Father and Jesus...and I love you." Now that is cute! After the prayer he pointed out that he said 2 nice things and he wanted me to name them!

I'm all stitched up ah wha huh!!

2008-03-14T13:39:00.000-04:00

Yes you heard it right...my hernia is no more. All I have now is pain, an even more interesting belly button, and many weeks of not being able to lift much! I think it is a good trade off!

On Tuesday bright and early I was off to the Surgery Center for my hernia repair! I was so happy that Shane could come with me and help me home. What a great blessing that was! I have told a few people that my greatest fear is that I would be on the operating table and the doc would slice me up and find that..."there is nothing here to fix!" Well, right before my surgery the doctor did come in and feel for my hernia...he couldn't find it! So he asked me to sit up a bit, so I did and he felt some more and...still couldn't feel it...(I am really stressing now but at least the only damage is that I have already had the IV put in!) So he asks me to stand up and...okay yup there it is. Whew...Okay I am doing this for a reason! So off to the operating room. As I think back to this things start to get a bit hazy. I was really fortunate to have a great Anesthesiologist who is friends with Shane and his brother. My fortune lies in the fact that I think we will receive the family/friend discount! Well, so I was transferred to the operating table and Butch put an oxygen mask on me and...that is all I remember until I heard someone calling my name. Apparently it took me about 45 mins to come out of it. Well, so that was finished and all I had to do now was recover! Still things are a bit hazy from then on but I know I did make it to my bed and HGTV was constantly giving me tips on how to better my house!

Now it has been 3 days since and I am feeling fine! I walk like an 80 year old woman and my rear is tired of sitting/laying down and I am a slow walker! Oh and my belly sticks out like I am pregnant-which I am not! (So if you come to my house you will just have to wait about 10mins! I am coming I promise!) So everything is good!

I want to send out some huge THANK YOU'S to lots of people!

1. My mother who extended her extended stay to take care of me for a few days! Love you mom!

2. My sister who has helped me take care of my kids and who is trying to help me regain my 30 year old posture and lose the 80 year old one!

(also thank you to Christy and Jenn for the flowers! and the sweet sentiments offered!)

3. Everyone for calling and checking on me!

4. Thanks to some friends who have brought us dinner, taken my kids to school/picked them up, and watched my kids for me!

5. Thank you to Shane for helping and supporting me thru the worst part!

Tagged! Report 2 of 4...

2008-03-04T13:02:00.000-05:00

I keep getting tagged and I can't keep up with them! So this tag is from my friend Lindsey!

What time did you get up this morning? 7am-ish...I hate waking up early but it seems the more stressed I am the earlier I rise!
Diamonds or pearls?Diamonds.
What was the last film you saw at the cinema? PS I love you
What is your favorite TV show? I have a bunch...LOST, the Office, Scrubs, Law & Order anything, American Idol...I could go on
What do you usually have for breakfast? Cereal.
What food do you dislike? Raisins, Onions (I can handle cooked tiny pieces but not raw-yuck!) Honey are the only ones that come to mind
What is your favorite CD at the moment? I just like to listen to my iPod tunes!
What kind of car do you drive? 04 Honda Pilot
Favorite Sandwich? I don't really know...PB&J!
Favorite item of clothing? My Down East layer shirts! I pretty much wear one everyday!
If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go? Anywhere! I would love to go to England to tour the Jane Austen sites with my mom, sister and sis-in-laws! When are we going girls???
Favorite Brand of clothing? Whatever is on sale and fits!!
Where would you retire to? I would just jump from place to place.
What is your most recent memorable birthday? A few years ago when Shane took me out and we went shopping and I could pick out anything I wanted! However, the next birthday we attempted that again and I hated it because I couldn't fit into anything! (I didn't know that I was pregnant with Ty...I just thought I was getting old and fat!)
Favorite sport to watch? Basketball...I pretty much watch all sports and love to comment on the commentators!
When is your birthday? Sept 4th! First day of School!
Are you a morning person or a night person? Night!
What is your shoe size? 6
Pets? No--allergies!
Any new and exciting news you'd like to share? My sister-in-law is getting married in 3 days!
What did you want to be when you were little? A Doctor...until I realized I am just no good at numbers or chemistry!
How are you today? Fabulous!
What is your favorite candy? I have a love/hate relationship with Hot Tamales
What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? April 15th!
What are you listening to right now? Nothing.
What is the last thing you ate? Wheaties!
Do you wish on stars? No
If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Green
How is the weather right now? Cloudy and cold
Last Person you spoke to on the phone? My mother
Favorite Soft Drink? Diet Dr. Pepper
Favorite Restaurant? I like anything* but Who Song's and Larry's (*usually I like anything!)
Hair color? Dark Brown
What was your favorite toy as a child? Cabbage Patch Dolls
Hugs or kisses? I love Hugs and Kisses from my kiddos!
Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate.
When was the last time you cried? At church because someone else was crying and I just can't stop myself.
What is under your bed? Winter clothes, home decor I can't decide where to put, and snorkel gear.
What did you do last night? Watched the British Royalty 20/20 special!
What are you a afraid of? Anything bad happening to my family.
Salty or sweet? Both
Favorite day of the week? They all seem the same to me... But Monday is worse!
How many towns have you lived in? 5
Do you make friends easily? Sure! You like me don't you!!

Now I would like to tag??? Jenn because you need something to post on!

Tagged! Report 1 of 3...

2008-02-18T20:13:00.000-05:00

What is his name? Robert Shane. Shane to me. R. Shane to the business world. Sometimes people just call for R!
How long have you been married? 9 Years wow!
How long did you date? about a year
How old is he? 32
Who eats more? He does, unless it is dessert...then I would be the one to eat more!
Who said I love you first? I think I did by way of him reading private emails from me to my friend. Later that night I did tell him. It was a good night to be at the library!!
Who is smarter? Shane and that is why I married him! Well not that I am not smart but he is good with numbers and well...I'm not so much!
Whose temper is worse? Mine
Who does the laundry? Me.
Who does the dishes? I do and he helps! When he is around!
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? I do because it is closer to the kids!
Who pays the bills? It is a good combo of Auto-pay/me/him!
Who cooks dinner? Me
Who drives when you are together? Shane.
Who is more stubborn? Me!
Whose parents do you see the most? Mine.
Who proposed? He did!
Who has more friends? equal! Most of our friends live in other states.
Who has more siblings? He does by 1.
Who wears the pants in the family? I would say we are pretty equal partners in this game of love!!

So now I would like to tag...Lindsey, Tamara, and Stephanie! Hop to it girls!

I must get my "The Office" fix somehow!!

2008-02-08T22:33:00.000-05:00

Which Character From The Office Are You?

Created by BuddyTV

Really?

2008-02-06T00:53:00.001-05:00

What Julie Means

You are fair, honest, and logical. You are a natural leader, and people respect you.You never give up, and you will succeed... even if it takes you a hundred tries.You are rational enough to see every part of a problem. You are great at giving other people advice.
You are a very lucky person. Things just always seem to go your way.And because you're so lucky, you don't really have a lot of worries. You just hope for the best in life.You're sometimes a little guilty of being greedy. Spread your luck around a little to people who need it.
You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow.You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily.Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is.
You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.
You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

What's" Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Post Office + Kids Craft Project = CRAZY!!!!!

2008-02-04T23:11:00.000-05:00

Today I participated in 2 of my least favorite things....

First I dragged all 3 of my kids to the Post Office to mail some packages. I will have to say that my stress level was already at a 4 (on a scale from 1-5 with 5 being the highest!!) because the prep work that it took to get me and my kids to the PO was just enough to make me pull out my desprately needing a haircut hair!! So after a trip to Walgreens for some packing tape and a long time sitting in the car taping and addressing and yelling at kids we were off to the PO! And much to my dismay (totally was not surprised) the line was all the way to the door. Which means we are going to be here for a very long time! Long enough to have my kids (who were for the most part very good!) invade every strangers personal space and to spy on 3 little lost ants on the ground! We did finally make it to the front only to get called to the back counter so...I enjoyed the task of hearding the cattle (kids) thru the crowd. As the postal worker is asking me every question he can think of I am trying to calmly tell my cattle to not climb on the counter. Well nice didn't work so I got a bit more aggressive in my tone and I am sure the man at the counter was wondering "just what kind of mother is this really??" Well we make it out to the car and now the next task is to feed the heard and put the trouble maker to bed so we can start on the much anticipated homemade Valentine's Day cards!!!!

I was really excited to do the V Day cards so I could spend some quality time with them! I think I should have picked a different project! I am not a fan of craft time with my children! I am way to OCD to enjoy any of it! That is why they have school! Crafting is for school not for home with mommy! So tonight things started off great and then going on the 3rd hour the stress level started to climb!!!! Ty woke up at the end and was helping by ripping the already done cards...I was soooo not loving it! And it will be a miracle if any of Alli's classmates can read their names! She was so distracted by various things she would... well examples...

Lind (Lindsay)
Deis (Denis)
Brod (Brad)

And Andrew had to decorate every blasted card! We started at 3pm and finished sometime after 6pm. So to bring the stress level down we drove to Wendy's for dinner in a quiet car!! Ahh...bringing it down a notch!

So after a none enjoyable day (and I shouldn't be complaining) I have a few things to be grateful for!

1. I crossed off 2 major things on my To Do List! One of which has been on the list for ohhh...2 years!!
2. I did spend a lot of time with my kids and hopefully they still love me after today!
3. It is 8:30pm and my kids have been in bed for 30 mins! Yahh-hooo!

So with all of that said I would like to quote my dear brother..."Crazy? I was crazy once. They put me in a white room with a red dot, I counted that dot. One. One. One. It drove me CRAZY. Crazy? I was crazy once..."

Lost?

2008-01-31T21:13:00.001-05:00

I love the show Lost and I am soooooo excited that tonight I will be basking in the 2 hour season premiere! Yah-hoo! Ladies and gentlemen...tonight I plan to get lost! Thank you and good night!

The answer is Yes!

2008-01-22T17:16:00.000-05:00

I have an umbilical hernia! There I have spread the news to the world. I have a hernia!! And I am here to answer any questions you might have! First I have to give props where props are due...

Christy for giving me my first diagnosis when I told her that my belly button hurt.
Scott for always being there when I have medical issues!
Two beautiful children because without them this umbilical hernia would not be possible!
A wonderful husband who loves me even if my intestines are popping out of place!

On to the questions:

Umbilical hernia is when your abdominal wall rips and your intestines start to come through the hole in the wall.

Yes it can be serious.

No I do not qualify for serious status. The Dr. called it a "little" one.

Yes doing crunches and Gunnar's Ab Assault can make it hurt!

Yes it does require surgical repair.

Yes this will be my first surgery.

Yes I can't believe that I have a hernia.

Yes this will delay my ability to train for a half marathon.

Yes I am okay.

I am anticipating having surgery the 2nd week in March.

Alli has already informed my neighbor that my "belly button will be cut off."

So on the advice of my Dr. Brother in law...I have posted the above information! If you care to know any further information you can call me at (---/---/----) (sorry I can't give out my personal information) or you can look up umbilical hernias on Web MD! Or I also have a pamphlet I could send you that tells you all about hernias and the surgeries to fix them!

Bored.

2008-01-14T21:34:00.000-05:00

Today started out to be full of events...

Started my routine of having Monday be my cleaning day! I was very productive. I cleaned the downstairs and then I had to get ready for my visiting teachers. So that was being productive, right? Then I did a bit of designing with Jen...then...nothing...I am bored. I have lots that I can do but...I don't want to do any of it. I am just bored! Maybe it is the consistent down pour of rain and dark sky's the have brought on this "blah" of boredom. Or maybe I am just plain bored. So in an effort to "un-bore" myself I am posting...I still am bored!

What color am I????

2008-01-10T21:52:00.001-05:00

What's Your True Color?

My Result: Green

You're green, the color of growth and vigor. Good-hearted and giving, you have a knack for finding and bringing out the best in people. Green is the most down-to-earth color in the spectrum — reliable and trustworthy. People know they can count on you to be around in times of need, since your concern for people is genuine and sincere. You take pride in being a good friend. For you, success is measured in terms of personal achievement and growth, not by status or position. Rare as emeralds, greens are wonderful, natural people. It truly is your color!

Take this test >

A look back and a "do I really have to?" look forward!

2008-01-08T18:52:00.000-05:00

With this new year already upon us I have been tagged yet again! And so here are 7 things learned in 2007 and 7 goals for the new year 2008.

Things learned in 2007...

1. I learned that just because something drops off your priority list doesn't mean you have more time for the others on the list.

2. I learned that you should only go to the doctor for "a physical" even if your child is covered in red little dots.

3. I learned that I should be happy in whatever state I am currently in. Not that I have applied this learned lesson!

4. I learned that some failures lead to great relationships!

5. I learned that angel babies can also have a little devil inside!

6. I learned about coupon clipping and I have dabbled in the art of saving money. (only to spend it else where!)

7. I learned that I enjoy running only with music blasting!

Goals for 2008:

1. Can I get a little motivation please!

2. Budget so I can fine tune my clipping skills into real rewards like (landscaped yard, bedroom furniture, new house!!)

3. Run a half marathon.

4. Catch up my scrapbooking or at the very least put some pictures of Ty around the house!

5. Organize and stay organized. Mom, Christy I may need your help!

6. Be a better mom, wife, primary teacher, friend etc...(but I don't make any promises...remember #1)

7. Learn to play the flute all over again!

Here is to the new year and as the title of this post says "do I really have to?" And with that I will send out a tag to...alyssa and kennedy!!!!

I've been tagged...ahhhhh

2007-12-21T02:32:00.000-05:00

Well ladies it is time to share some "randomness" about myself...I would like to go on record as seconding the motion of sharing "randomness" about others! It could be fun/offending...I think we could like it! With that said I will move on...

1-- I have lots of goals and aspirations but I don't seem to have the same amount of motivation (or maybe energy) to get things done! That tidbit may be a bit depressing for my 1st item.

2-- I will always have the "Hot Tamale" incident haunting me just like my good high school friends nickname for me...Maybe now the nickname truly applies.

3-- I love music! I love to sing it, dance with it, flaunt with it...you name it with music everything is possible. If my husband and children really loved me they would get me two things for Christmas...

1. Guitar Hero (however I am going to need a hand splint so I don't blow out my fingers...which leads me to another random topic...Guitar Hero! I love it. I have stayed up till the wee hours rocking out and kickin' out those righteous tunes! Obsession...maybe?

2. A karaoke machine! Me and the kids would have so much fun singing karaoke! Well maybe they would just be my fan club!

So the end of this tidbit is I love music! And I have to give Shane props because ever since he has blessed my life with my own little iPod Nano...life has been singing sweet tunes baby!

4-- I like the tangy zip of Miracle Whip on a just after Thanksgiving turkey sandwich! Yumm

5-- I have just recently risen to complete and total "mom" status. This morning while eating my cereal Andrew was sitting on the counter. He had a few spots on his head and so what would any loving mother do...you guessed it... I licked my fingers and wiped it off. Well a few seconds later I saw another so again lick the finger and wipe. The last time Andrew actually saw me lick my finger and he said "that's nasty" I said what? and he commented that "that is nasty we get germs that way!" So yes ladies and gentlemen I have not only completed the very act that makes us Mothers, but my child also knows that when we put our saliva on stuff it gets germs! Now that is an achievement!

Enough about me...I am going to give a "tag-out" to the Rushings...so Shelby, Heidi, Kennedy you're it!!

It's our 9th Anniversary

2007-12-19T16:26:00.000-05:00

Today Shane and I celebrate 9 wonderful years of marriage however, it doesn't feel very anniversary-ish because Shane is all the way accross the country and I am not on a beach somewhere soaking up the sun! I guess that luxury will have to wait until the big 10! (sorry inside joke!)

I thought today I would like to reflect on my 9 wonderful years married to most handsome, cheesy, and amazing man ever!

Year 1: We bought our first house in Provo UT. It was so cute and we loved it dearly!

Year 2: I graduated from college and was ready to support our family! haha

Year 3: We trecked to Portland for Shane's internship with Deloitte & Touche

Year 4: The twins were born-enough said!

Year 5: We moved into our new house in Vancouver WA.

Year 6: Shane worked a lot and maybe that is why this year has slipped my memory!

Year 7: Shane took me to Puerto Rico with a little help from Momma.

Year 8: Ty joined our family!

Year 9: Many more adventures to come!

I would like to send out my love to my hunny today! Happy Anniversary Baby!

Christmas is...

2007-12-13T14:09:00.000-05:00

Have you all heard the song..."Chirstmas is giving, Chirstmas is caring, Christmas is..." Well I would like to say that around these parts Christmas time is a time to show your brother(s)/sister how much you love them. Last night while forcing my kids to take holiday pictures for our Chirstmas cards these are a few of the shots I got! By the end you may be not be singing the song as stated above but singing a different song... maybe "where is the love...the love?"

Ty did not want to be touched or held in one place. Especially by his two siblings!

See they do love each other!

What a picture of perfection! Alli clearly loves her brother, Ty clearly has too much fun whacking others, and Andrew had already been hit in the head a few times earlier and knew what to expect!

Let there be LIGHTS!

2007-12-06T20:12:00.000-05:00

Well ladies and gentlemen! Today I would like to announce that the Rushing family now has joined in the Christmas light festivities. It has been a long 9 years in coming but finally the day has come!

Shane is not a big fan of putting up Christmas lights. It might stem from his childhood experiences...I am not sure. However, I have always wanted to put up lights. So... last year at the after Christmas sales I bought lights! And today those lights with additional ones I found at the after Thanksgiving sales this year went up! With the help from a neighbors step ladder (Alli and Andrew occasionally) we now have lights. The lights above the garage are shimmering snowflakes cute huh?? I am just so excited about this and so excited for Shane to see them when he gets home!

So today for my good deed I spread holiday cheer to my 3 little ones who were so excited to see the lights. Ty said "whoaaaaa!" We are all happy about the lights! Now we just need to get us a Christmas tree and we will officially be in the Christmas spirit!

Tis the Season

2007-12-04T19:11:00.000-05:00

This season I thought that I should try to set a "little" goal. Well for me I think it will be a HUGE goal! My goal is to do a act of kindness/service/whatever everyday until Christmas!

Dec. 1st - I took Alli and Andrew on a "Mommy Outing" to see Enchanted!
Dec. 2nd - I read a Chapter in the B of M! That was a miracle!
Dec. 3rd - We had some family time playing Monopoly! Good Times!
Dec. 4th - I volunteered in Alli's classroom. (Okay it was already scheduled but it still counts right?)

Tomorrow? We shall see!

So I challenge you all to spread the Holiday Cheer with a little act of kindness everyday!

Happy Birthday to my Honney!

2007-11-15T13:04:00.000-05:00

I am a bit late posting this! However, the birthday festivities were right on time. Well with the exception of one thing. I was unable to take Shane out for his birthday because our kids got sick. One after another. We are still in sick mode!
Anyway, I wanted to tell my sweetheart happy birthday and share some things that I love about him with you!

1. I love his blue eyes!
2. I love his humor. He keeps me laughing most of the time! It is a good thing he knows when he should be serious and when he can goof around!
3. I love his willingness to support our family in more ways than one!!
4. He is a wonderful father and because of him I enjoy all of my wonderful experiences daily!
5. He is a fantastic surface cleaner! I am trying to convert!
6. He still loves me after I washed his favorite/sentimental belt!
7. He is fabulous and I love him to death!
8. I love that every time I see the color Orange I think of him!
9. He still things I'm cute when I haven't showered, my hair looks like I put my finger in a socket and I am covered in kid slop!
10. What is not to love about this man!

I love you a lot and hope that you will have a wonderful year! You are the best.

Twilight Quiz

2007-10-29T12:38:00.000-04:00

I did the quiz and I am Esme Cullen. Anywho! I tried to post it but it messed up my blog so I can't post the picture. So there you have it!

Name that tune!

2007-10-23T19:51:00.000-04:00

To all the procrastinating, overwhelmed, heavy burdened souls out there! Including myself at times...but only when it is rainy outside! Sunshine spreads a thick layer of creamy sweet "life is great" icing on my little cupcake of worry! And with that said on to the game!

I'm not gonna stop, not gonna stop till I get my shot. That's who I am, that is my plan, will I end up on top you can...

Have fun!

More Pumpkin Patch

2007-10-19T17:56:00.000-04:00

Here they are. I know that you all are loosing sleep because I haven't posted more pics yet!!

He likes to pose for the camera! What a cutie he is!

Alli in a sea of pumpkins! She was on the hunt for the perfect one!

He loved all of the BIG pumpkins. He wanted to get one but he couldn't pick them up!

To the Pumpkin Patch.

2007-10-16T01:25:00.000-04:00

Today was a great day. Shane called me around 2pm and said he was on his way back to work after being at a clients for the afternoon. I was chatting with him about stuff when I heard the garage door open! Hooray...He came home early! That was a great surprise because we (me & kids) haven't seen him pretty much since Monday the 10th. He has been working late because of Oct 15th deadlines and then on Friday we took him to the Airport! He was able to go to the BYU game this weekend in Vegas with a bunch of his college buddies! So long story short...we were all excited to see him!

So, since Dad was home we decided to go to the pumpkin patch and pick us some great pumpkins! And as always...Mom was ready with the camera to capture great shots because fyi...that pumpkin patch is a great backdrop for fabulous pictures!

The kids had so much fun running around and crawling thru the hay tunnels! Ty walked around pointing to the pumpkins saying "baaa" which translated means "ball". Alli was looking for the best "medium round" pumpkin. She wants to put a skeleton on her pumpkin! Andrew walked all over the pumpkins like they were stepping stones! It was great fun! There were not a lot of people around and we had rain free weather! It was a great afternoon spent with the family! Oh...and I did get some great shots!

p.s. -- Blogger is having technical difficulties so I will post more pics tomorrow!